With Libation Shuttered, Soho House’s ‘Ludlow Garden’ Plan Quietly Proceeds

One year after word first broke, the demolition of Libation is nigh. The controversial Hell Square nightclub officially closed its doors last month after nearly two decades irking serving. Its clearance will ultimately yield a “garden annex” for the Ludlow House next door.

Last spring, we reported that Soho House corporate planned to construct the so-called Ludlow Garden at 137 Ludlow Street as part of an expansion of its Ludlow House property. Now, the reality of the wrecking ball is ever-closer – Department of Buildings last month approved a “partial” demolition of the nightclub building.

As previously reported, the design calls for Ludlow Garden to occupy the ground floor and cellar levels of the proposed two-story structure. The main level is to include a 41-table restaurant called Lou’s that extends into the rear garden, and is shielded by a retractable roof; the basement would also boast a soundproofed recording studio and extra bathrooms for Ludlow House.

The ambitious concept was approved in June 2018 by Community Board 3. And then it just sat. For a year.

Only recently did Soho House sign a 22-year lease on 137 Ludlow, which, according to public records, commenced May 3 and expires in 2041. As part of the deal, the social club is footing the $150,000 demolition bill and costs of redevelopment.