Canandaigua's Spacebar - It isn't a bar it's a space
Primary tabs
The Spacebar in Canandaigua isn't a bar. It's a space. It's space for lots of things. It's located in the former Simco Galleria building on Main St in Canandaigua. The building formerly housed All Things Art, a community art space. Unlike its former nonprofit operators, its current owners the Simmons family are running it as a commercial enterprise. Downstairs in front along Main St is an antique market. But owner Marc Simmons describes it as a "micro mall" which will encompass different types of retail businesses calling attention to a small display of toys for sale.
Antiques on display downstairs
In the rear of the first floor at the Niagara St is the Spacebar Cafe. The bistro serves coffee, tea, beer, wine and light meals. A varying selection of imported coffee is featured and the barristas carefully explain how each cup is crafted. It's still less expensive than Starbucks! There is a small sound stage for acoustic and poetry events, and a pool table.
The downstairs bistro has a small sound stage for acoustic music and poetry, and a pool table
It's the second floor of the building that makes this a special venue. At the top of the stairs is a large open hall with a capacity of 400 people. The room can be configured in different ways. Tables can be set up for banquets or games. The room was once a bingo hall. Or chairs can be set up for films, lectures or live performances. To one side is a small stage that backs up to another large room. This room can be used by performers to store equipment, props or even practice before shows. No more tripping over equipment stored in the audience area as is so common in places like bars. The hall has heat, air conditioning and all required safety equipment like fire extinguishers, alarms and sprinklers.
An exercise class is one of the tenants who uses the space during the day.
Exercise classes are one of the many ongoing uses of the space
Perhaps the Spacebar's most promising potential is as a music venue. Canandaigua and its neighbor to the north Rochester both have vibrant local music scenes. Anyone who attended Jesterfest, Localmotion or any of the 98 other events of the City's 100 days of Music in the Park can attest to that. One of the great difficulties local musicians face is finding a place to play that won't disturb their neighbors. It is even more difficult for young bands and their fans because often the only places to play are bars who age-restrict their audiences and sometimes performers as well. The Simco Galleria was initially constructed as a factory with heavy brick walls and is in a commercial district surrounded by bars. It's unlikely a show upstairs would ever disturb neighbors. The Spacebar is an all-ages venue, one of only three or four indoor venues of its type in the area. For those who can legally buy alcohol, beer and wine are sold downstairs in the bistro.
Looking from the front of the stage to the rear of the hall. There is an equally sized area to the right.
Plenty of room for merchandise tables and an example of how tables might be set up for other events such as a dinner
Next time you're in Canandaigua stop by the Spacebar for a coffee or salad and have a look around. Wish the Simmons family well. Let's hope the Spacebar becomes a permanent local institution in the Finger Lakes.
