Ariius Nightclub Embarks on New Downtown Era After Casino Decade
A prominent Windsor nightlife institution is making a major geographical shift as it prepares to leave its long-time casino home for a new downtown location. Ariius Nightclub, which has operated at Caesars Windsor for ten years, announced this week that it will relocate to 576 Ouellette Avenue in early February, signaling a new chapter for both the venue and the city's core.
A Decade of Growth Prompts Monumental Move
According to official statements from the nightclub, the decision to move stems from having outgrown the current space at the casino. The club first opened its doors at Caesars Windsor in December 2015, offering a 10,000-square-foot, 590-person-capacity venue designed in the style of high-end Las Vegas nightclubs. After what the organization describes as "10 record-setting years," leadership determined that expansion was necessary to continue evolving.
"This is not just a move – this is a monumental leap into the future of world-class entertainment," declared Ariius Nightclub president and CEO Kash Hasan in a news release. The final weekend at the casino location is scheduled for January 29-31, with operations ceasing before the downtown transition.
Four-Story Entertainment Complex Planned
The new downtown venue represents a significant upgrade in both size and scope. The building will span four complete storeys, each designed with distinct entertainment purposes:
- A speakeasy-style lounge in the basement
- A VIP nightclub on the main floor
- A second-floor concert hall
- Plans for a future rooftop day club
This multi-level approach allows Ariius to offer varied experiences within a single location, potentially attracting different crowds throughout the week. The building itself has historical significance for Windsor nightlife, having previously housed former destinations Tequila Bob's and The Chelsea.
Downtown Champion Hails Strategic Relocation
Ward 3 Councillor Renaldo Agostino, a well-known advocate for downtown revitalization, enthusiastically endorsed the move. He described it as "a monster step in the right direction" for downtown Windsor's development.
"Although Ariius was great for the casino and great for the city, it wasn't really great for downtown, because it's a far walk from the next bar to where Arius is currently located," Agostino explained. "Now it's steps away, right? And one of the things that I like to trumpet about downtown Windsor is we're steps away from everything."
The councillor emphasized that while the addition won't transform downtown into the nightlife strip it once was, it represents an important component of a diversified urban core. "The future of downtown is a smorgasbord of a lot of cool things, and nightlife is a big one," he noted.
City Prepares for Increased Foot Traffic
With the scheduled opening set for February 6, municipal officials are already planning for the impact of thousands of additional visitors to the downtown area. Agostino confirmed that the city will deploy additional resources to manage the anticipated crowds, ensuring both safety and accessibility for patrons.
The relocation comes at a time when many cities are reevaluating their downtown cores post-pandemic, with entertainment venues playing a crucial role in attracting visitors and supporting adjacent businesses. For Windsor, the move represents both a continuation of Ariius's successful formula and an opportunity to inject new energy into Ouellette Avenue's commercial landscape.
As one of Windsor's most established nightlife brands transitions from casino property to urban storefront, the community watches with anticipation to see how this bold relocation will reshape evening entertainment options in the city's core.
