A social club that hosts art-themed events for adults opened in a restaurant space of the G. Fox Building in downtown Hartford Thursday.
The aptly named Social House received funding through the city’s Hart Lift program, which offers matching grants to help outfit new ground-floor retail spaces. It’s located at 153 Market St., in the rear of the former department store, which has an address of 960 Main St.
The front section of the 574,000-square-foot building at the corner of Main and Talcott streets is owned by the state of Connecticut and is occupied by Capital Community College.
The rear section, where the Social House is located, is owned by Montreal-based real estate investor Olymbec. The restaurant space was previously home to Tavola 153, an Italian restaurant. Before that, it was Silk Lounge and Savin Rock Roasting Co.
The Social Club’s website says it offers a “selfie museum” and an experience “meant to help you tap into your creative side and pose like you’re the next top model.”
“Become a piece of art with our selfie museum,” the website says. “Our aim is to make sure to boost your enjoyment by taking photos within our 15+ themed spaces and allowing you to really get lost in the mood. You can make memories solo or in groups in our unique themed pods.”
There will be “Feel Good Friday”’ happy hours from 4 to 7 p.m., along with themed “sip and paint” events, where people can socialize, create artwork and enjoy cocktails. Tickets cost $60. Small plates of food and brunch are available.
The Social Club, owned by Feminique Wyles and Daphney Romero, was previously located in Torrington. A ribbon cutting for the new location took place at 1 p.m. Thursday.
In April, Capital Community College told the Hartford Business Journal that it was considering moving to a new location, as 960 Main St. becomes increasingly outdated and in need of significant repairs.
The G. Fox Building was constructed in 1917 and renovated in 2010.