Key Takeaways
- The Avant Gardner entertainment complex in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has been sold to Five Holdings, owner of the Pacha nightlife brand, for $110 million.
- The site has a history of controversy, including scandals related to security, kidnappings, deaths, and drug use.
- The complex was previously slated for renovations and a reopening, but was ultimately forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to $155.3 million in debt obligations.
- Five Holdings plans to convert the Brooklyn Mirage into Pacha New York, marking a new chapter for the troubled venue.
- The sale is expected to bring an end to the long-running saga surrounding Avant Gardner, which has been plagued by issues since its inception in 2017.
Introduction to the Avant Gardner Complex
The Avant Gardner entertainment complex in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has been a source of controversy and concern since its opening in 2017. The complex, which includes the world-renowned Brooklyn Mirage nightclub, has been cited as one of the top nightclubs in the world, but has also been plagued by a range of issues, including overly aggressive security, kidnappings, deaths, and rampant drug use. Despite its reputation as a premier nightlife destination, the complex has struggled to overcome these problems, and has ultimately been sold to Five Holdings, owner of the Pacha nightlife brand, for $110 million.
A History of Controversy
The Avant Gardner complex has been the subject of numerous scandals and controversies over the years. A Gothamist investigation found that at least 1,600 people were treated at the complex for intoxication or "altered mental state" between 2018 and mid-2022, including three who died from accidental drug overdoses. These incidents, combined with reports of overly aggressive security and a lack of adequate safety measures, have led to widespread criticism of the complex and its management. Despite efforts to address these issues, including the hiring of a new CEO and the announcement of a $30 million series of renovations, the complex has been unable to shake its reputation as a troubled and potentially dangerous venue.
Renovations and Bankruptcy
In an effort to address the complex’s problems and improve its reputation, Avant Gardner announced a series of renovations and upgrades in 2024, including new acoustics and sight lines and a beefed-up security team. However, these plans were ultimately derailed when the city’s Department of Buildings ruled the venue "structurally unsafe" just days before its scheduled reopening. The complex’s CEO, Josh Wyatt, was fired shortly thereafter, and the venue was forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to $155.3 million in debt obligations. Despite receiving a debtor-in-possession financing commitment from its existing lender, the complex was ultimately unable to recover from its financial difficulties, and was forced to seek a buyer.
The Sale to Five Holdings
In January 2026, it was announced that Five Holdings, the Dubai-based holding company for the global nightlife brand Pacha, had entered into a deal to buy Avant Gardner for $110 million. The sale is expected to bring an end to the long-running saga surrounding the complex, and will see the Brooklyn Mirage converted into Pacha New York. Representatives from Five Holdings and Avant Gardner did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but the sale is seen as a positive development for the venue and the surrounding community. With its new ownership and management, the complex is expected to undergo significant changes and improvements, and to emerge as a revitalized and reputable nightlife destination.
The Future of the Brooklyn Mirage
The sale of Avant Gardner to Five Holdings marks a new chapter for the Brooklyn Mirage, which has been at the center of the complex’s controversies and struggles. As Pacha New York, the venue is expected to undergo significant renovations and upgrades, and to emerge as a premier nightlife destination in the city. With its new ownership and management, the venue is expected to prioritize safety and security, and to provide a positive and enjoyable experience for its patrons. The sale is seen as a positive development for the surrounding community, and is expected to bring new energy and investment to the area. As the venue looks to the future, it is clear that the sale to Five Holdings marks a significant turning point in its history, and provides a fresh start for the troubled complex.
