On Wednesday, December 28, U.S. District Judge Harlin DeWayne Hale ruled that Trees' landlord, Belmor Corp., can reclaim the building on Elm Street because Tree Amigos, the EC subsidiary that runs Trees, failed to pay rent for two months after EC filed for bankruptcy.
Belmor Corp. wanted the property immediately, but Hale ordered the EC "to vacate the premises and turn the property over" by 3 p.m. on Monday, January 2, which means New Year's Eve weekend shows (and a potential final concert on Sunday, January 1) will proceed as planned.
"Trees was the least tenable of all of [the EC's] properties," EC lawyer John Leslie said. "The lack of interest by buyers was a concern."
When asked how this ruling would affect the remaining EC operations--the Green Room, Gypsy Tea Room and Jeroboam--Leslie answered, "Business as usual." He also stated in the hearing that he is "optimistic that an agreement" to sell the Gypsy Tea Room will happen soon, though Leslie did not say when.
As of Wednesday, Entertainment Collaborative CEO Whit Meyers was not able to confirm any details about a final concert for January 1. "I've already started the e-mail ring" in search of potential performers for that night, Meyers said. As soon as he confirms a bill, we will update this page with more information.
