Locked doors at Brick, a creative hub in Southtown, disrupt events due to financial woes and tax issues, leaving local artists and community gatherings in limbo.
SAN ANTONIO — Locked doors at a popular event space in the Southtown area have left visitors and artists searching for answers.
Viewers have called in wondering why they cannot get into Brick at Blue Star, a longtime creative hub at the Blue Star Arts Complex.
KENS 5’s Meredith Haas looked into the situation and found the closure is tied to financial issues. Complex owners said they would like to bring the venue back in some form in the future, but for now, the doors are locked.
“Brick was one of the very first places that opened its doors not only to me but to so many people,” one artist said.
For years, Brick provided space for creatives, hosting political events, workshops and community gatherings. Now, those opportunities could be gone, at least temporarily.
Events scheduled for this weekend remain posted outside the establishment, though they are unlikely to take place.
“It’s really unfortunate it can’t work out,” another supporter said. “I feel it can be saved.”
Court records show the owners of Brick have a pending case involving delinquent taxes dating back to October of last year.
Management of the Blue Star Arts Complex said in a statement that they were saddened by the situation.
“We’re sad that Brick’s current owners found themselves where they did,” the statement read. “But after many months of working with them in hopes that they might recover from their financial difficulties, we were forced to make the lockout decision. We did not take this step lightly.”
Leadership with Brick responded that they are upset about what is happening but could not provide further comment.
For vendors and curators who relied on the space, the closure leaves uncertainty.
“I think at the heart of it is the vending community, the art, a space where community gathers,” one vendor said.
Supporters said they hope the doors will reopen and are calling for solutions to preserve a venue that has hosted many small businesses and community events.
Complex management said they are hopeful the space will reopen in some form in the future, but did not say whether the current owners would return.