ALL GENRES WELCOME. What was once the Downtown Micon Cinema (315 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) is poised to become the "Barstow Theatre," a new venue designed to host both performances and visual arts. (Former Downtown Micon Cinema, pictured during MidWest WeirdFest)

The former Downtown Micon Cinema facility is readying to usher in a new era of arts and entertainment in Eau Claire. What will soon become the “Barstow Theatre” intends to host live performances and visual exhibitions.

Per Eau Claire City Council packets published online Nov. 5, co-owners of the Barstow Theatre have requested a Class B Fermented Malt Beverage license and a Class C Wine (wine only) license – which will be brought to council during the Tuesday, Nov. 10 legislative session.

In addition to this alcohol license application, they have also signed the City of Eau Claire's “Center for Visual and Performing Arts” designation paperwork.

“Barstow Theatre is a new live music venue, built to welcome artists and audiences across every genre.”

derrick Koehler

member and co-owner of the barstow theatre

According to local municipal guidelines, a Center for Visual and Performing Arts is recognized as any space whose main operational focus centers on showing or producing theatrical, musical, or creative exhibitions.

Current owner-operators of the Barstow Theatre listed on the city council packets include Sarah Kozuch, Kevin Anger, plus Max and Derrick Koehler.

Of its four co-owners, Derrick Koehler (pictured above) told Volume One there will be more announcements to share soon on what's coming ahead. (Submitted photo)

Locals might recognize Derrick from his rising presence in the area’s EDM scene under the moniker DOKTOR, as well as his role in organizing ECedm events across downtown Eau Claire and the broader Chippewa Valley.

“Barstow Theatre is a new live music venue, built to welcome artists and audiences across every genre,” Derrick told Volume One. “We’ll have more to announce soon and are excited about what’s ahead.”

This news follows an announcement via Trillium Commercial Realty that the 315 S. Barstow St. property had gone under contract earlier in October.

A “premises map” in the city council packet details future interior changes at the historic downtown building. The former movie theater designed with cinema screens in mind plans to feature front-of-house areas, backstage spaces, dressing rooms and a balcony viewing section.

Operating hours are projected to shift depending on scheduled events, but could span from 5pm-2am. Anger is currently the Barstow Theatre LLC's appointed agent – Anger works with Donnellan Real Estate – and would have “full authority and control of the premises for alcohol service” if the licenses are granted.

A premises map of the Barstow Theatre, pictured above. A color key details where alcohol could be served and stored; the map also shares Main Level and Basement levels which could hold dressing rooms, performance stages, balcony viewing and more. (Map courtesy of City of Eau Claire)

This is a developing story with more updates to come from Volume One. Read the complete Eau Claire City Council packet for Tuesday, Nov. 10, online.