Old steel plant in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn transformed into concert venue

EAST WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn (WABC) -- The continuing evolution of New York is on display at an old steel plant in Brooklyn.

The old factory is beginning its new act as a concert venue.

A couple of local entrepreneurs have figured out a way to develop the careers of tomorrow's rockers and help to revitalize neighborhoods in the process.

We joined the pair inside their newest venture among the factories of Brooklyn.

The new club takes its name from the metal once used in manufaturing in an industrial area of East Williamsburg, but now only music will be made at 'Brooklyn Steel'.

"We looked at Brooklyn where there wasn't a larger general admission capacity venue and we found this space, and its 1,800 capacity," said one of the partners, Jim Glancy.

Glancy and John Moore run eight clubs in the city, and this one is almost triple the size of their 'Musical Hall of Williamsburg'.

"And it's exciting to feel like we're super-serving such a great area of fans," said Moore.

Both partners say they want to be good neighbors, so a special roof has been installed at the new club to dampen the sound.

That way the shows won't be too loud for local residents, who were also given a chance to work at 'Brooklyn Steel'.

"We held job fairs in the neighborhood, and you'll see a number of folks from the neighborhood who are working here in all different capacities throughout the venue," said Glancy.

The venue opens with the return of Brooklyn's own 'L.C.D. Soundsystem'.

The band has been working for more than a decade with the partners, who have watched this group and others climb the ladder of success in the various clubs the guys have opened under the Bowery Presents label.

"I think we are extremely fortunate to be in New York City, and have the opportunity to work with bands from the beginning," said Moore.

"So, we've had a number of bands that started with just a couple hundred tickets - all the way up," said Glancy.

Jim and his partner, who is known as JoMo, have grown their business alongside the artists they spotted early.

Many artists who started in their smallest clubs now headline arenas for Bowery Presents.

I think the fact musicians stay loyal to them says a lot about these guys.