Legendary venue The Strand in Providence warns it may not survive coronavirus fallout

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – A Providence landmark is in danger of shutting its doors forever.

The Strand on Washington Street in Providence has been bringing live music and comedy to its stage since 1915.

Its owners say they are on the verge of closing for good.

“The strand is in a bad place, we don’t know how long we can last, the well is getting dry” said, Gary Williams, Co-Owner.

COVID-19 forced them to shut down in the beginning of March and four months later the doors remain closed.

“We have no idea when we will reopen, or what phase we can. So, we are kind of in a limbo state at the strand.”

Garry Williams and his partner Frank Madredi Jr. took over the strand three ago using a million dollars of their own money to remodel and upgrade the venue. Now they admit, they are barely hanging on.

“A type of business this big, that can fit 2000 people, the overhead is a lot, the rent, the insurance.” Madredi added.

Under current rules, establishments like the Strand can only have 125 people and no bar service; and t’s not enough to cover the costs of running. They say the federal help that’s out there isn’t enough for small businesses like the Strand.

“We employ a hundred people, bring in 200,000 a year which helps other businesses in this area.”

They have started a Go-Fund Me, not only to raise money, but also to let people know what’s happening while their theater remains empty and silent.

“We never thought we would see this day, but this day is here.”