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Beloved Uptown Nightlife Spot Apt. 78 Will Close on January 1

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On January 1, Apt. 78 – the chill uptown bar on 4447 Broadway that has gotten a seal of approval from Questlove, Biz Markie and Major Lazer – will be shuttering. DNA Info reports that after five years, José Morales has decided its time to move on. He made the announcement in an Instagram post, where he said that there wasn’t anything else he could accomplish at Apt. 78.

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When I first decided to open apt78 I wanted to create a venue where it targeted a specific audience that other venues NOT only uptown but the entire NYC lacked.We focused on bringing dope DJ's to come spin at a 100 person venue for FREE!!We wanted to create a space for that individual that had an idea,dream,or talent and help show case whatever it was they wanted to do for FREE. Think about all the shit we did first that everyone else did after?!! Most importantly a judgement free fun party environment. All these thoughts and visions I had were accomplished 100%.There is pretty much nothing else I can possibly accomplish at Apt.78 that can make me happy at this point.I have honestly fulfilled that already.The constant battling (of you know what)took away the fun and passion I once had.Once the passion is gone it's time 2 move on & that's what I'm doing.I never been so clear headed in my life or as happy.The enjoyment of mastering the present moment has allowed me 2 make the right decision for the future.So with that being said the Legendary APT.78 will be closing its doors come January 1st.I want to Thank every single person That has ever worked at APT.78 you helped built some legendary shit in NYC!Thanks 2 every person that has held a charity event,Thank you to all the local schools and organizations that allowed us to host their events and functions. Thanks to all the DJ's tht came thru 2 spin & saw the vision and helped us promote the venue!Thank you 2 every single person that has hosted an event or started at APT.78 with their events or businesses etc.You're all loved and appreciated.Thank you 4 your partnership.All the magazines,blogs, newspapers, tv shows, celebrities, artist, athletes tht showed love thank you. Thank you most importantly 2 the best & most loyal customers/family ever!You left all the judging all your problems, stress, everything at the door bc we only represented 1 thing & that was FUN!We understand the community is changing so we want to play a role in that!Its only the beginning.We will relocate the venue in 2016,the brand will continue to grow,Big events new location etc.Thanks again & look out 4 "BODEGA PIZZA" at APT.78 in 2016 🙂

A post shared by Jose Morales (@apt.78) on

“We focused on bringing dope [DJs] to come spin at a 100-person venue for FREE,” he said. “We wanted to create a space for that individual that had an idea, dream, or talent and help showcase whatever it was they wanted to do for FREE. Think about all the shit we did first that everyone else did after?!!”

Though, he doesn’t focus on it too much, he does say that trying to organize events became an uphill battle and that ongoing conflict with the NYPD and Community board took some of the fun out of the venue. In 2014, Apt. 78’s block party was canceled because the community board deemed it “hazardous to the community,” (despite zero incidents at the 2013 block party….). Morales said it was politicians trying to get back at him for not allowing them to speak at the block party that got the party canceled.

 

In the last year – adding to Morales’ battles – Apt. 78 was temporarily closed by the police and had trouble with its liquor license after complaints that they had been serving minors and summons for disorderly conduct. After the community rallied around Apt. 78, Community Board 12 renewed their liquor license.

According to his Instagram post, Morales plans to open a restaurant called “Bodega Pizza” at the same location.

Morales has been tweeting touching messages about the end of Apt. 78, and tributes have already been pouring in. In an emotional post, blogger Mel a La Mode called the venue a framework for much of her 20s, and thanked Morales “For establishing a judgement-free safe haven in a community that’s never seen something quite like it,” crediting Apt 78 with incubating new DJ careers, and giving the WaHi creative community a space to define their own unique vibe and feel part of something bigger.

We will sorely miss Apt 78. Below, revisit some of the good times:

http://instagram.com/p/_MwqBPAxmI/

http://instagram.com/p/-sDzSRsNqL/

http://instagram.com/p/92JFg6QXqc/

http://instagram.com/p/9jpS5Vj0JM/

http://instagram.com/p/84GCL5KhdV/

http://instagram.com/p/84FhWwqhcY/

 

apt. 78