Knitting Factory re-opens six months after fire damage: 'It feels good to be back'

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — “We’re Back!” that is what you read when you approach the doors of the Knitting Factory in downtown Boise.

The concert hall doors opened Thursday, March 7th for a sold out concert.

Last September, flames burned through the wooden floors and walls of the Knitting Factory. The fire, caused accidentally, damaged 60 percent of the concert hall.

"It was shocking, simply because we train for this all the time because fires happen. We were prepared for this. We weren't expecting this," said Gary Pike, Knitting Factory General Manager.

Pike says the company has been in business since 1987 and they knew they were coming back.

"The fire happened September 11th, we were literally in here September 12th with the restoration process and started from there," Pike said.

Pike says the fire gave them a chance to update the venue to improve customer service.

"It feels good to be back. We've had six months of construction down here where we've redone the knitting factory from top to bottom. There's absolutely nothing the same about this building," Pike said.

You can walk in to see, new furniture, flooring and paint. Even a new 360 degree bar to host eight bartenders.

Pike says being home to a lot of local musicians, with upgrades to the sound system and lighting he hopes, will expand the fans experience for live music.

"That was the main thing people were excited about especially musicians because they want to have the best sound that they can so we are really excited about that," Pike said.

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