We reported in June that a new lounge and nightclub called Hue was set to open on July 10th, in the former A3 Atmosphere dance club at 447 Broadway. However, due to technical issues with the club's programmable, color-changing LED lighting system, Hue's official opening has been pushed to next Saturday, August 22nd. It will feature a DJ set from Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas.

"We have a pretty intense light system that takes a lot of programming and setting up," said managing member Bennett Montoya. "We wanted to make sure when we opened up fully for our big opening, everything was ready." The adjacent restaurant space is still in the works, but getting the lighting 100 percent finished was the club's first priority.

Lighting problems aren't the only issue facing Hue. The new club's liquor license may be revoked, based on a pending SFPD case from its days as A3 Atmosphere. (Montoya, with Karen King, holds the license.) "The place was becoming a drain on police resources," said Justin Gebb, supervising agent in charge at the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). "The [police] department is seeking revocation of [Montoya's] license."

A hearing on the club has already been held, and Gebb said a decision from an administrative law judge is expected by early September. Should the decision not fall in Hue's favor, there is also an appeals process; the ABC website gives details on the process and timeline. For his part, Montoya said he's "confident in moving forward with our project."

Rendering of Hue Lounge. (Image: Courtesy of Hue)

As Hue prepares to debut, it has already hosted an August 1st "sneak peek" for about 300 guests, and has also been opening up its lounge area on weekends (Thursday-Friday, 5:30pm-2am, and Saturday, 9pm-2am).

This Saturday, the club will host a community open house for North Beach residents (5-9pm) as the Off Broadway Summer Pop-Up at Kearny and Pacific winds down. Neighbors are encouraged to stop by and check out the glitzy new space.