New dance club starting up in spring

When Attila Ambrus came through Fort Frances last May, he saw an opportunity.
Managing a band that played a gig at the Rainy Lake Hotel, Ambrus woke up to look across Scott Street and see a future in something many residents may have long forgotten–the old Royal Theatre.
But movies aren’t what’s on the Vancouver man’s mind.
“It’s going to be called ‘Warp 9.’ It’s going to be a very exciting dance club,” he enthused yesterday.
“The decor is going to be very futuristic, elegant, and modern–neon, stainless steel, intelligent lighting, 80,000 watts of sound, and 20,000 watts of lights,” he noted.
“I’m a buff of science-fiction shows like Star Trek and so on, and this is based on that. I have a very clear vision of what it’s going to look like,” added Ambrus.
Currently the owner of a music studio in Vancouver, Ambrus said he has a wealth of knowledge of the music business under his belt.
“I’ve done the touring, the booking, management, and been in bands, making for 30 years of experience,” he remarked.
He noted his reason for opening the club was clear–there was nothing like it around.
“I’ve seen just about every city and town in Northern Ontario. And I think with Fort Frances, International Falls, and the surrounding communities, I haven’t seen single location anywhere that be as appropriate as Fort Frances,” Ambrus stressed.
“I couldn’t believe anyone hadn’t already started one there.”
While Ambrus said he’s been excited about the prospect of the club since day one, he’s also done a lot of footwork and research.
“I remember when I went over to the theatre and looked through the window and saw the real estate sign on the floor. I called them up and they told me they had given up marketing it,” he recalled.
“From all the conversations I’ve had with local people–and there’s been many–they agree it’s what this town needs,” Ambrus added.
Now that he’s the owner, a crew is cleaning the old building up, including removing seats and old furnishings, in preparation for renovations, which should start in mid-January.
“The building is in amazing shape considering the lack of care. It’s solid 12-inch concrete, and the basement is dry,” Ambrus said. “We’ll start with re-roofing first and then go from there.
“I have a fairly aggressive schedule to get it open. I’m looking at April or May. But if it was up to me, I’d open it tomorrow,” he stressed.
Besides lighting, furnishings, and sound, the $600,000 renovations will include knocking down the walls between the lobby and screening area. The total area will about 40’x105’.
Ambrus noted the club, which will be open Friday and Saturday all year and more evenings during the summer months, will feature mainly pop and dance music, and maybe a little country rock, played by a house DJ.
But Ambrus also is keeping open to some guests DJs and live bands.
After getting established, he added he also would like to open a music studio in the club.
As much as he wants people to welcome his new business, Ambrus hopes he can make a splash here, too. “I want to be able to offer a clean environment you can have fun in,” he remarked.
“And since I plan to become a permanent resident of Fort Frances, I’m looking to become an involved member of the community,” he said. “I’d like to co-operate with other business owners and even get involved with events like the bass tournament.”