Brooklyn’s Historic Domino Sugar Refinery to Become New Music Venue
TVG Hospitality plans to open a 750-capacity independent music hub in April 2027.
1Historic Waterfront Transformation
The iconic Domino Sugar Refinery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is set to become a new 750-capacity music venue and creative hub. Scheduled to open in April 2027, the project repurposes the landmarked industrial site, which has served as a waterfront beacon for over a century, into a year-round gathering space for the local community.
2Diverse Cultural Programming
Beyond hosting concerts and club nights, the venue will facilitate artist rehearsals, recording sessions, and educational programs. By collaborating with local nonprofits and cultural organizations, the space aims to function as a creative incubator. The facility will be accessible to all ages, ensuring it remains an inclusive environment for the city's diverse creative population.
3Operational Partnerships and Design
The venue is being developed and operated by TVG Hospitality in partnership with Emerson Hospitality. A unique architectural feature allows audiences to enter the space through the building's original industrial infrastructure, including its prominent 240-foot-tall chimney. This design choice emphasizes the preservation of the site's historical significance while integrating modern entertainment functionality.
4Support for Independent Artists
In a move to support independent creators, the venue has pledged not to take a commission from artist merchandise sales. It will utilize the ticketing platform Dice, which is recognized for its transparent pricing models. This approach aligns with the venue's membership in the National Independent Venue Association, prioritizing fair treatment for performers.
5Strategic Cultural Oversight
A dedicated cultural board, comprised of diverse New Yorkers, will meet quarterly to oversee programming. This board is tasked with championing emerging voices, broadening genre reach, and offering impartial recommendations to ensure the venue remains connected to the neighborhood. This governance structure aims to maintain the venue's relevance and community-focused mission over time.
6Industry Context and Challenges
The opening represents a significant addition to the independent venue landscape at a time when smaller operators face intense pressure from multi-billion-dollar live-entertainment giants. Industry leaders, including those from the New York Independent Venue Association, view this project as a vital effort to preserve the independent spirit that historically defined Brooklyn's nightlife economy.
7Founder's Vision for Community
TVG founder Ben Lovett, a musician himself, emphasizes that the project aims to replicate the sense of community he experienced in Williamsburg twenty years ago. While the neighborhood has undergone massive changes, the fundamental need for spaces where artists can develop ideas and audiences can discover new music remains a constant priority.
8Urban Development and Legacy
Two Trees Management CEO Jed Walentas notes that integrating arts and music into the historic refinery is a natural evolution for the site. By blending industrial heritage with contemporary cultural programming, the project seeks to add a new dimension to Williamsburg, ensuring the building remains the heart of the waterfront for future generations.