Club wins initial okay for Wet-zoning Permit

It's not likely a person of my income will ever be allowed to step foot in the place, but I do think it's a postive move for the area -- assuming other, community-serving, "non-private" places will pop up around it.

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The Rialto theater is one step closer to becoming Print, a private club so elite, a thumbprint scan is required to open the door.

City Council members unanimously gave wet-zoning approval on a first hearing last week.
The application met no objections from the city, neighbors or police. But council member Mary Mulhern had a question on the description of the club.

"Private members-only lounge. Mezzanine with private rooms and public catwalks. I don't think it should be surprising that people are wondering if this is going to be adult use," Mulhern said. "What else is going to be happening on those catwalks?"

She also cited the failure of Chateau Prive, which opened as a private club in SoHo staple St. Bart's Island House but failed, closing abruptly in July. Why did Print have to be private?
Mark Smith, Print president, said any confusion over the club's "private" designation was his fault.

A technology and finance businessman, he didn't realize some might get the wrong impression of the description he put on Print's wet-zoning application. His reason for a private club was to avoid the rowdy element that causes problems at nightclubs.

The wet-zoning permit that the council granted includes conditions that prevent an adult use or liquor store from ever moving into the building in the 1600 block of N Franklin Street.

Council member Linda Saul-Sena commended the Print team for seeking a historic designation for the 1925 movie theater. The council will take a final vote next week.

"I'm happy that council was able to see through some of the confusing language," Smith said.

"We're very happy we'll be able to become part of the Tampa nightlife scene."

Smith says if the council grants the Print group final approval, they plan to close on their building purchase on Nov. 15. Smith hopes Print will open by Super Bowl 2009.