Downtown’s Regency under new ownership

After reopening the venue in 2015, owner Gary Thomas sold downtown’s Regency Live to out-of-state concert promoters.

Utah husband-and-wife team Gabe and Angela Elstein bought the business and its assets in September 2017 for undisclosed terms. Gabe Elstein said Thomas continues to own the building, and the couple signed a five-year lease with the option to purchase the 307 Park Central East building.

The Regency has not advertised a show on its website since Dec. 14. Elstein said the space capable of holding 850 people will be rebranded and reopened in February as The Complex Springfield.

The Elsteins run a collection of four music venues under one roof in Salt Lake City called The Complex. They also promote concerts in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Memphis, Tennessee, as well as Portland and Eugene, Oregon. Gabe Elstein said the couple approached Thomas about buying his business. It had not been listed for sale.

“We’ve been coming there for years, and my wife and I kind of fell in love with the area,” Elstein said. “[We] met Gary Thomas, and he introduced us to his operation, and ultimately we made the decision to acquire Regency and bring more shows to the market.”

Thomas founded The Regency in 1982, closed it in 1998 and reopened it in 2015, according to the venue’s website. He could not be reached for comment by deadline.

Elstein said two employees will move from Utah to run the venue, and the staff of about 10 will be mostly retained.

“We’re going to add a balcony up top,” he said. “There has always been a balcony, but it was enclosed with glass. We’re knocking that out and putting in a railing, so it can be a mezzanine. We’re upgrading the sound and lighting equipment, as well – and adding some acoustical treatment, such as curtains.”

The Springfield News-Leader first reported on the business sale.