Vault Lounges: A Safe Bet?

To most people, this photo represents somewhere to store some extra cash or possibly a good opportunity to steal some. To a number of players in the L.A. nightlife scene however it's the perfect spot for a new club. No fewer than three new venues are scheduled to open in former banks over the next six months. First up is Bank Heist, which launches in early August in a North Hollywood building by John Parkinson, the architect known for landmarks like Los Angeles Memorial Stadium and City Hall. In downtown L.A., another Parkinson bank is currently being converted into the Crocker Club where come fall guests will have to provide a password to enter the whisky bar to check out the marble teller counters and the VIP lounge in the main vault. Those turned away or turned off by all the gimmickry will be able to find consolation several doors down at Mercury Liquors, due to open in early 2008 in the 6,000-square-foot vault of the former Los Angeles Trust & Savings Bank building. Talk about money in the bank! I bet these club owners will be laughing all the way to the bank too. So do you think bank vaults are the new VIP club trend? I'm willing to put my money in on it!