Mitchell Stewart, who revitalized downtown Long Beach nightlife four years ago by converting an abandoned Pine Avenue bank into the state-of-the-art concert venue The Vault 350, died early Sunday morning of a heart attack, the District has learned. He was 49. No other details could be confirmed. 

“Mitchell Stewart has passed away,” said Andy Dubin, an associate of Stewart’s. “That’s all I want to say at this point.”

Thomas Fields, general manager of The Vault 350, likewise declined comment, deferring to the wishes of the Stewart’s family. Fields said the family would be releasing more information and a statement Monday.

Stewart opened The Vault 350 on Memorial Day Weekend of 2004 in the historic building previously occupied by the Bank of America. With a capacity of 1,500 people and a flawless sound system, the club has become a popular venue for nationally touring musical acts.

Stewart had also been preparing to open the Backstage jazz and blues supper club next door on Pine Avenue. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge cleared away a last-minute legal hurdle on March 28 by denying a temporary restraining order from Archstone City Place, which owns adjacent apartments.

Tags: Backstage jazz and blues supper club, Mitchell Stewart, The Vault 350