On Saturday, July 17th, from 6 to 10 p.m., members of the public can tour The Bohemian Gardens, a new event space located in the heart of Little Bohemia at 1424 S. 13th Street. The open house will feature pop ups, along with support from neighboring brick-and-mortar local businesses such as Fizzy’s Fountain & Liquors and Scout Dry Goods & Trade.
The 5,000-square-foot venue features a courtyard lined with greenery as well as space for bands, weddings, business retreats and overnight guests. Constructed in 1895 as a dance hall for the neighborhood’s Czech immigrants, the building was used as a restaurant until 1993 when an artist purchased it, transforming the building into a home and the parking lot into a garden.
The Bohemian Gardens is the latest in a string of new construction and renovations for the evolving commercial district south of downtown. Despite the impacts of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, new businesses continue to open and thrive on the 13th Street strip. In 2020, Clarity Development announced plans for a $17 million apartment complex at 12th and William streets originally set for completion in 2022. Older businesses are revitalizing as well. Last month, new owners of the historic Sokol Auditorium announced a serious renovation and name change for the neighborhood’s iconic music venue. With the loss of longtime businesses like the Bohemian Cafe and Donut Stop in recent years, The Bohemian Gardens is one of many upcoming ventures seeking to draw more people and money to the area.
To find further information about The Bohemian Gardens and their upcoming event, visit their website and follow on Instagram or Facebook.
Contact the writer at emma@thereader.com.