The Chicagoist will be launching later but in the meantime please enjoy our archives.

Oak Park Gay Nightclub Fire Termed "Suspicious"

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jun 4, 2012 5:20PM

Oak Park police and fire officials are investigating the cause and motivation for a fire that destroyed a gay nightclub in the west suburban village over the weekend. The fire at the Velvet Rope Ultra Lounge left the club gutted. Owner Frank Elliot told ABC 7 the fire was a total loss, but that he hopes to re-open the club in the near future.

Elliot also said he found derogatory messages scribbled on a wall in the club. That wall has been removed by authorities as part of the investigation.