51 Main to remain open for business

President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz announced that 51 Main at the Bridge will continue to operate in post on his blog and could become profitable as soon as this summer.

Since its debut three years ago, the venue has continued to progress toward profitability. In spite of the projected $70,000 deficit this year, Liebowitz cited its ability to turn a profit soon, along with supportive comments from members of the community in response to another blog post, as some of the main reasons he opted to keep 51 Main open.

Liebowitz emphasized that 51 Main eliminated over 75 percent of its monthly deficits over the last year and could turn a profit shortly.

“If the venue continues to attract patrons I would not be surprised to see it operating in the black by the end of the summer,” he said.

General manager Carl Roesch said the fact that 51 Main had already eliminated so much of its deficit during the economic crisis suggests it can achieve long-term prosperity.

“To be close to profitability in this economic climate in less than three years means we are on the right track,” he said.

Samantha Peaslee ’10, who worked at 51 Main previously, said the venue’s goals do not immediately suggest profitability.

“Most students would rather buy alcohol at Hannaford’s and then go to 51 Main than buy drinks there,” she said.

“This isn’t 51 Main’s fault. We’re students and that’s just more affordable for us.”

The anonymous donor who currently supports the project has pledged to continue doing so for up to an additional three years if necessary.

“The donor is very supportive of the project and is a great friend of the College,” Liebowitz said.

“He and his family have given most generously to the new library, the McCullough social space renovation, financial aid and faculty support. His gift in support of 51 Main came as a result of the Student Committee on Social Life, and the gift will cover all overruns for 51 Main for at least two, and maybe three, more years.”

Roesch said the venue makes the business district of Middlebury more exciting.

“We contribute to a vibrant downtown Middlebury, which is good for all businesses,” he said.

“We fill a niche.”

One of the major benefits to the space is that it expands the variety of social options available to students, Liebowitz said.

“51 Main and its programming have served to diversify social options in town and on our campus to go beyond suite parties, social house parties and large McCullough events — most, if not all, of which center on alcohol,” he said.

Peaslee supported Liebowitz’s decision to keep the venue open and agreed it augmented the social options for the community.

“It’s become a crucial venue for performers and events and offers a unique atmosphere,” she said.

“It appeals to people who want something off-campus, nearby, and not solely a bar.”

The College received feedback and praise from many members of the community about the space. Liebowitz said he received direct e-mails from students, faculty, staff and townspeople about the future of the space in addition to the 90 responses to his blog post.

Not all members of the community support the decision to keep the venue open, however, as they have never supported the project.

“I do not support 51 Main and, like many faculty and staff members, will not step a foot in that venue,” said Professor of Geography Tamar Mayer.

“I wish students, too, would boycott the site.”

While he made the final decision, Liebowitz said he considered the responses from all members of the community before deciding to continue operation of 51 Main.

“I of course consulted widely,” he said.

“I even re-read The Campus editorial on this subject.”

Peaslee believes the community has recognized the value 51 Main adds to the community and hopes it will continue to support it.

“I hope everyone sees what we have and is willing to put a bit of extra effort into making sure we get to keep it,” she said.

Liebowitz wrote that he would continue to push the venue to achieve its potential.

“We will continue for push for more financial accountability so the business can pay for itself without the support of a donor,” he wrote in the blog post.

“We will review the venue’s status on a regular basis.”