Courtesy of Jack’s House
Audio By Carbonatix
On Jan. 31., a popular downtown Dallas after-hours dance club, Jack’s House, was set ablaze by an arsonist. The electronic music venue on 2204 Elm St. is now closed.
“Our club was burned down last night by an arsonist,” the nightclub announced on Instagram. “We are still in shock and need time to process! We are closed until further notice. It has been our greatest pleasure serving you …”
Jack’s House co-owner Willie Trimmer, who owns the venture with John Wayne Colwell, was working on a remodel in the club around 4 a.m. when he heard a noise as he stepped into the club’s main area. He then saw the DJ booth being swallowed up by flames.
Trimmer says he witnessed a stranger dousing the club’s interior in gasoline. He chased the arsonist – whom he says had “clear intent” to destroy the venue – before seeking safety. The intruder got away.
Dallas Fire and Rescue was dispatched at 4:09 a.m. after multiple 911 calls. It located two separate fires in the empty building. The fires were extinguished around 5 a.m.. No injuries were reported. DFR is investigating the fire as arson, reported WFAA.
“This heartbreaking loss has impacted not just the owners, but the entire dance music community that has called Jack’s House their home for nearly six years,” states a Donorbox fundraiser for Jack’s House.
Founded six years ago, Jack’s House has been a keystone in Dallas’ dance music scene. The weekly house music parties began as underground affairs. To find the party, dance lovers had to direct-message the club’s Instagram page for the address. Jack’s House cultivated an inclusive culture in the shadows through the euphoria of music lovers gathering to dance and create lasting memories.
Jack’s House found a permanent permitted home in November 2023, paving the way for a record-breaking 2024. The 24HourDallas Copper Star certified downtown dance club booked 467 local DJs, averaging 20 DJ slots a weekend, last year alone.
No persons have yet been arrested in connection to the Dallas club’s fire.
Courtesy of Jack’s House
Now, it’s all gone. The merciless flames left nothing.
“We had tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment in there, from speakers to lights, to DJ booth, DJ equipment,” Colwell told CBS News. “Everybody is just beside themselves trying to figure out who did it and what are we going to do next?”
Jack’s House will rise from the ashes stronger, Colwell and Trimmer say.
“Our goal is not just to reopen our doors but to come back stronger,” the duo stated on Dropbox. “We are determined to rebuild Jack’s House, a place where the spirit of house music can continue to thrive and bring people together. It’s a daunting task, but we know that with your help, we can overcome this obstacle and create something even more powerful than before.”
An outpouring of support and love has uplifted the torched nightclub. Veteran house music DJ Donald Glaude’s Feb. 1 event was relocated to Sons of Hermann Hall. It became a rebuilding benefit. Jack’s House hosted an official fundraiser on Valentine’s Day at Deep Ellum Art Co. Future fundraisers and benefits will be announced on the Jack’s House Instagram.
The Jack’s House team asked for support finding a new lease or purchasing a new venue and financial aid to replace DJ, sound and lighting equipment. Donations are essential to rebuilding.
“We are committed to building back, not just for ourselves, but for our community – the DJs, the dancers, the artists, and the friends who made Jack’s House what it was,” reads the Donorbox. “We’ve always loved what we do, and we’ll continue to pour our hearts into it. This too shall pass, and with your support, we’ll come back stronger than ever.”
“We will rise,” says Colwell. “This is not the end. Thank you to everyone that has supported us along the way and continues to support us. They are the batteries to what we do, and whoever did this, we will find you.”
