Popular ‘One Tree Hill’ filming location could close if it doesn’t raise enough money for security renovations

Staff at a beloved One Tree Hill film location say if they don’t raise $100,000 by the end of December, they may have to close their doors for good.

TRIC is a warehouse on Front Street in Wilmington where several scenes were filmed. It notably served as a nightclub, called “TRIC”, which the characters in the series frequented.

Now, it’s a space that fans can visit where they can see old props, memorabilia and signed items from the cast. The space also hosts charity events throughout the year, often bringing together stars of the series to raise funds through meet and greets.

For tour guides like Lindsey Kirsch, space matters a lot. Many other filming locations in the city have been transformed into new restaurants or businesses, losing their connection to the series. However, she says TRIC has remained a place dedicated to fans.

“We’re the last staple to have direct connections like One Tree Hill,” Kirsch said. “We love interacting with our guests who come. For example: “Who is your favorite character?” You know, what is your favorite scene? Or your favorite episode? because it means something different to everyone. When they come in, they light up. Sometimes they say, “I can’t believe I’m here.” »

The group that runs the space, Friends with Benefit Charities, has big ideas for the future of the place. They want to restore the interior to an almost exact replica of what the TRIC nightclub from the show looked like. They also want to open the venue at night for live music.

But none of this will be possible if they don’t fix various security issues first.

The warehouse’s bricks are crumbling, the elevator hasn’t worked for almost a year, the roof leaks almost every time it rains, and the HVAC system needs to be completely replaced. The owner says to stay open, all of these issues need to be resolved.

(Fence) is a thought I don’t even want to put in my head,” Kirsch said. “I discovered TRIC and started volunteering when I was going through a bit of a tough time in my life and I was very grateful for it, it helped me in so many ways”

The group estimates it will cost at least $500,000 to make all of these repairs. Employees say they are counting on the financial support of fans of the series to raise this amount. They set a benchmark goal of $100,000 by the end of December. If they can’t raise that much money, they say they’ll have to evaluate whether or not it will be possible to stay in space.

A holiday fundraising event will take place on December 14 and 15, at which stars including James Lafferty, Bevin Prince, Lee Norris, Barbara Alyn Woods and Stephen Colletti will appear. The event is sold out, but they hope the money raised at the event will help them get closer to their goal.

In the meantime, they’re encouraging fans of the show to donate to their online fundraiser, book tours at TRIC, and consider purchasing merchandise.

“Whether it’s five dollars or ten dollars or whatever your heart wants to give, we appreciate every penny and penny,” Kirsch said. “We really want to continue what we’re doing, not only for the fans, but for the charities, for the talent as well. Talent loves coming back to Wilmington and seeing everyone’s faces and you know that can’t happen if we’re not all in this together.

Learn more at WECT.com.