Lansing - It was a scene right out of the big city.
The streets surrounding the opening of X-Cel were crowded with people eagerly waiting to be let into the dance club. The scene didn't play out in New York or Chicago, but in Lansing's Washington Square.
Formerly Club Paradise, X-Cel opened its doors Thursday at 224 S. Washington Square, ushering in a new chapter in the book of the capital's nightlife.
"I wanted people to experience the big city life right here in Lansing," X-Cel owner Tom Donall said.
The grand opening of X-Cel came as a result of the club's new ownership. The event drew a large crowd of people, something Donall hopes is a consistency.
Donall, who also owns the Lansing nightclub Spiral Video Dance Bar, 1247 Center St. in Lansing's Old Town, bought Club Paradise's building in January after it went bankrupt under its previous ownership. He crafted the design that led to a four-month renovation on the club's structure.
Donall said the changes were long overdue, though he wouldn't say how much money went into the renovations.
"The upkeep for Paradise was poor and the place was going downhill," Donall said. "The bathrooms were horrible, the floors were rotten and the place was just falling apart."
Donall designed and constructed most of the bar himself, from the tables and light fixtures all the way down to the lounge chairs and ashtrays. He also created the large mirror behind the bar area designed to illuminate guests with light reflection from the dance floor.
Donall said his efforts created a club with a combination of elements inspired from art deco and a decor of the industrial 1930s.
Outside the club, an X-Cel bouncer is clad in a dark suit and sunglasses. But inside, the walls are covered in a sepia color and contrasts the bright sheer-cloth chandeliers near the entrance. Lights cast by the neon disco ball play off of the dark walls and cast a visual show on the dance floor.
Donall said a lot of time and energy was put into redesigning the club, but as an artist, he feels the completion of his vision is worth the effort.
Jacob Gibson, Lansing resident and doorman at the club, was impressed by how much the club had changed.
"I think that this place was pretty poor before, but it has changed by 150 percent," Gibson said. "I am going to love working here, especially now that everything is new and remodeled."
Lansing resident Danielle Biddulph sat in one of the clubs many black velvet booths as she smoked a cigarette.
"I haven't seen much of Lansing but it looks like this is going to be a great spot to hang out," she said. "I think that this place is really great because everything here is so elegant, yet I feel like I still fit in just wearing my comfortable clothes."
Marjorie Lape, Lansing resident and a friend of Donall's, came to show her support at the club's opening night.
"I think that this club is just absolutely beautiful and so upscale," she said. "It is so great because the crowds here come from very diverse ages and varieties."
Donall said the grand opening event was an overall success.
"I think that the turnout tonight was great," he said. "Everyone, my friends and people from Spiral, which is my other backbone, are all so supportive."
X-Cel isn't the only Lansing area nightclub to undergo renovations hoping for a fresh new start and better business.
After gaining new ownership, Impulse II opened up in April at the former location of Sneekers Restaurant, 600 N. Homer St. in Lansing. The nightclub was famous for its 28-foot by 18-foot dance cage.
"We decided we wanted to become a little bit more rounded," co-owner Kathy Ellement said. "We are trying to get away from the image of hosting only fraternity and sorority parties."
Impulse II will continue to host greek parties, but the parties are reserved for weekday nights. Ellement added the 18-and-older club is going to try out seasonal party themes such as Cinco de Mayo and Mardi Gras, along with toga parties and a Jack Daniel's party.
Sneekers Restaurant is located in the same building as Impulse II and also was purchased by the new owners. It only serves lunch but might begin expanding its hours next month.
Co-owner Richard Baibak said they are planning on getting the word out by advertising more at the end of the month.
"We didn't advertise as much before because we hadn't gotten our act together and we had a lot of remodeling to do," Baibak said. "Before we didn't have a big enough crowd and that is why we have changed some things around."
Baibak said he is optimistic about the club's new look and is anxious to see how it turns out.
"We've got a great location, excellent clientele and a lot of students," he said.
X-Cel will host karaoke night on Wednesday. Eight Ball Grifter performs at Impulse II on Saturday.
Amy Davis can be reached at davisam8@msu.edu. Lindsay Weiskittel can be reached at weiskitt@msu.edu.
