Venue 51 is closing its doors after a year of operation.

The club on 19th Street in downtown Omaha, owned by David and Becky Benson, opened last August. The space previously hosted The Hive before that venue moved to its current location at 12th and Harney streets.

Craig Mustard, who was the booking agent and productions manager at Venue 51, says the venue couldn’t financially support the Bensons’ “family-based lifestyle.” Mustard says he’s looking into ways to purchase the building and reopen. Venue 51 closed for business on July 9 and is hosting its final show on July 18.

He says Venue 51 should be best remembered for its commitment to hosting all styles of music: open mic nights and local/national performances across rock, electronic, roots music and hip-hop.

“We wanted everything,” Mustard told Hear Nebraska. “It’s because I like music. I want to strengthen the scene. I’m not asking people to like something they don’t, but to learn from what they don’t relate to, to look at those middle grounds as areas of exercise.”

Mustard says he recognizes the breadth of quality venues still in Omaha that will continue to serve the music community, adding that he hopes to find in the coming weeks a way to purchase the building.

“I loved this atmosphere. I have no doubt that I can make it a go-to music club in Omaha for local and regional talent.”