Brooklyn Mirage in 2024. Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images
Avant Gardner, parent company of Brooklyn Mirage, is allegedly trying to sell the New York City venue over financial and permitting issues, according to BKMAG.
The report’s source claims to have overheard Gary Richards, the non-executive Chairman of The Board for Avant Gardner, discussing the company’s financial woes while eating at a restaurant. Richards, a DJ under the name Destructo and the replacement for former CEO Josh Wyatt, reportedly said that the company was “bleeding money” and that “they’re looking to get a buyer, but it’s impossible right now.”
The FADER reached out to Avant Gardner representatives for a comment, but have not yet received a response.
Earlier this year, Avant Gardner revealed that Brooklyn Mirage had undergone an extensive redesign during winter 2025. The updated building, slated to open on May 1, would incorporate opera style balconies and the world’s first fully kinetic shutter system in a music venue, and cost at least $10 million, according to the New York Times. However, the venue is still closed, and its lineup of shows have been cancelled or relocated as the company grapples with delayed schedules, failed safety inspections, and permitting issues.
While the company hasn’t made any official statements about the future of the venue, an anonymous Avant Gardner insider reportedly confirmed Richards’ statements.
“If they don’t get bought, they’ll definitely have to file bankruptcy,” the source said. “The company is so broke that certain employees are missing months of back pay and they’re not paying any holiday incentive wages. As far as speculation goes from me, this summer is a wash.”
