A long-running concert and events venue in Grand Rapids did not ring in the New Year with a party.
The Orbit Room, at 2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, was forced to close its doors that evening instead. The Grand Rapids Fire Department cited numerous public assembly violations and ordered the closure of the facility.
GRFD Lt. William Smith said there were violations involving fire alarms, fire sprinkler systems and operation of egress doors, all of which fall under the department’s fire life safety regulations.
Smith said the department’s inspector has been working with the occupant since October, but he reported venue representatives showed no interest in becoming compliant with the fire codes. The fire department officially closed the venue on Monday, Dec. 31, when The Orbit Room was advertising a New Year’s Eve Party.
“When we spoke to the occupant, they said they were not going to host an event there,” he said. “They moved the party to a different location. When we have a situation when fire life safety regulation is not met, we (alert them of the) violations because we are not putting people in harm and danger.”
The Grand Rapids Business Journal reached out representatives of The Orbit Room but did not receive a response.
*Photo courtesy of The Orbit Room
Facebook Comments