Things are not as they seem when it comes to NASA, the nightclub which was reported to be on its way to being torn down to make way for a hotel. While the general public and artists alike have lashed back, the owner says it might not be torn down – but changes will need to be made.
It was initially reported that Pétur Þór Sigurðsson, who bought the building some time ago, had decided that it will be torn down this summer to make way for a hotel.
Social networking sites and bloggers alike have been livid about the news. Torfi Hjartarson, who sits on the planning committee for the Leftist-Greens in Reykjavík city hall, said that the city could simply buy the building, or rent it, and thereby save it.
Singer Páll Óskar supports the idea, Vísir reports, believing the city should save the club. He feels so strongly about the future of NASA, in fact, that he told RÚV he would chain himself to demolition machinery if need be.
In response to the public outcry, the owners have come forward to say that the building might not be torn down for a hotel, but that they want to point out two things about NASA: its financial and structural condition.
Pétur told RÚV that the manager of the club has for a long time now been in arrears on the rent. He says he did not terminate the lease, but met with the manager to discuss the financial situation. He has given her until June 1 to try and get matters sorted. He added that no formal decision has been taken to tear the building down; that there are many ideas at play. However, he told Vísir that the dance floor portion of the club is in very bad shape and will need to be torn up. Whether it will be replaced by a new dance floor depends on whether NASA remains a club.
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