Three years at its first location, followed by 12 months at its most recent spot, Spokane music venue Empyrean Coffee House has announced it's shutting its doors later this month.

Co-owners Michelle and Chrisy Riddle say they'll close the doors with three final nights of music and poetry, Jan. 13-15.

Back in 2009 they took over the initial Empyrean on 154 S. Madison Avenue not far from the Fox Theater. After  landlords raised the rent, the Riddles moved to the current site, at 171 S. Washington (formerly the Big Dipper).

“I think the music scene has been changing in Spokane. And when we moved, I guess this building had a different vibe. Which meant we didn’t get as many people dropping in,” Michelle Riddle said.

The sisters said they hope to continue working with bands and booking acts in the area.

Big Dipper building owner Steve Spickard said he is not sure who he might bring in as the next tenant.

---

---