A New Stage for Club One: Savannah Nightlife Icon Plans Downtown Move

March 6, 2026 – One of Savannah’s most iconic nightlife venues is preparing for a major change. Club One will be relocating a block from its longtime home at 1 Jefferson St. to 301 Williamson St. one, the former Elan performance venue, marking the first major move in the club’s nearly four decades of operation.

Club One Area Coach Travis Coles, a longtime manager, said on Thursday that the decision was driven primarily by rising rent and the planned renovation of the current building following its sale in recent years.

“They were essentially wanting close to 50 percent more in rent than what we’re currently paying, and if we went with that, we would essentially be in business just to pay rent,” Coles said.

The club signed a lease for the Williamson Street space in January and is currently working with an architect and contractor on renovations. If construction stays on schedule, the new location is expected to open around June 1.

Before the move, the club plans a series of farewell celebrations at the Jefferson Street building, which has been home to Club One since 1988.

According to the club’s announcement, farewell events will begin April 22 (Earth Day) and continue through the weekend, with the final night at the current location scheduled for April 27.

“For almost four decades, our legendary stage has welcomed countless performers and entertainers, including the legendary Lady Chablis,” the club said in a social media announcement. “Our walls offer refuge, celebration and a safe space for all who walk through our doors.”

Coles said the final show in the building will likely be emotional.

“When that last show happens and the curtain closes, I’m probably going to fall apart,” Coles said. “After being here for 21 years, I think I’ve spent more time in this building than any home I’ve ever lived in.”

Still, he said the move represents a new chapter.

“It’s bittersweet,” he said. “We’re excited about the future, remembering the past and celebrating all the time that we had here.”

The new location will be roughly the same size as the current club, with a layout designed to preserve the elements longtime patrons recognize.

Plans include a dedicated performance space, café area and a downstairs dance floor.

General Manager Trey Norris said the move will also allow for upgrades in sound, lighting and stage technology.

“We’re sticking to what we know and what we do best,” Norris said. “Lots of theater, lots of drag shows. The biggest thing we want to drive home is that we’re still offering the community a stage space.”

The club’s programming — including drag shows, theater productions and other live performances — will remain central to the venue’s identity.

“That’s a big part of what we are at Club One,” Norris said. “Our drag shows are what we’re known for globally.”

One major addition at the new venue will be a full commercial kitchen, allowing Club One to expand beyond its current café-style offerings.

The club plans to introduce a larger food menu and new events such as dinner theater and drag brunches.

The performance space is also being designed for flexibility, potentially allowing for film screenings, live music and theatrical productions.

Even as the venue changes locations, some pieces of Club One’s history will make the move.

“The disco ball is absolutely coming with us,” Coles said.

Memorabilia connected to The Lady Chablis, the legendary performer made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, will also be preserved.

“We want to preserve that history,” Coles said.

Club One leaders say the move represents a chance to refresh the venue while maintaining the spirit that made it a cornerstone of Savannah’s nightlife for nearly 40 years.

“While the venue may change,” the club said in its announcement, “the spirit of Club One will remain the same.”

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