D.C. Nightclub Apex Closes

Washington, D.C.'s popular Apex Nightclub has closed its doors after 28 years, according to the Washington Blade.

The 18-and-over dance club near Dupont Circle, which opened in May 1983 as Badlands, had its sudden and unexpected final night of business Saturday.

The club's general manager, Joey Oldaker, who DJs as "Joey O.," said he was aware the venue was up for sale and would eventually close, but "none of us knew it was coming as quickly as it did."

Apex employees learned of the closure Tuesday.

"Businesses come and go," Oldaker said. "We survived the Tracks era, the Nation phase, the Town era. It just got to a point where it was a lot different financial climate in which to be in business in the last three to four years with the economy the way it has been."

Oldaker, who says the new buyer wishes to remain anonymous, doesn't know what will occupy the space at 1415 22nd Street N.W., which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Codman Carriage House and Stable.

While the club's now-former owner, Glen Thompson, declined to comment, Oldaker said Thompson's other local club, Omega, will remain open.