Hi everyone, I’m Santiago Varela, owner of The Melrose House.

For the past four years, Melrose House has been a community space where DJs, artists, and collectives have been able to host events, build culture, and bring people together.

Recently, we invested in remodeling the venue to improve the space for everyone. Before starting the remodel, the landlord and I had an agreement: he would renew the lease at the same rent for two more years if we moved forward with the improvements. I have his word in writing through text messages, but he never sent the formal amendment. Now that the remodel is done, he’s trying to raise the rent and telling me “things change.”

I used my personal savings to upgrade this space, and as many of you know, small venues like ours are struggling to survive. We want to stay open and continue providing a home for events, music, and community.

We’re asking for your support—anything you can contribute truly helps us fight to keep Melrose House alive.

Thank you for standing with us and for being part of this community.