Nightclub owner Richie Akiva marked his 50th birthday with a high-profile celebration at 1Oak, signaling the famed venue’s return to New York City nightlife. The event took place Saturday at the original 1Oak location, 453 W. 17th Street, where Akiva expressed enthusiasm about reestablishing the club’s presence in the city.

Akiva told attendees, which included music artists Busta Rhymes, Trey Songz, Tyriq Withers, and Zack Bia, that he was “glad to give NYC a home again.” The celebration comes after a period of uncertainty for 1Oak following the eviction of Akiva and partner Darren Dzienciol in 2022 due to over $1.8 million in unpaid rent at the West Chelsea site. According to Akiva’s representatives, those funds have since been recovered.

Currently, Akiva and Dzienciol have permission to use the original club space up to 12 times per year for pop-up events or private parties. Sources indicate that a permanent 1Oak location is planned to open downtown by February, aiming to revive the nightclub’s status as a central hub for the city’s nightlife.

Saturday’s event drew a crowd reminiscent of 1Oak’s peak years, with partygoers eager to gain entry. Insider accounts describe a packed basement and long lines outside, evoking the club’s atmosphere from around 2016. Art dealer Helly Nahmad, entrepreneur Juan Andrade, and Tao Group co-founder Noah Tepperberg were among the guests in the club’s lower level.

The party featured DJs Cruz, Spade, and Marty Rock, with Akiva himself positioned above the DJ booth, engaging with the crowd throughout the night and at times becoming emotional. Actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, known for their roles in the television series “Breaking Bad,” were not present but contributed by providing bottles of their Dos Hombres tequila brand.

Following the official closing of 1Oak at 5 a.m., the festivities continued at Socialista, a downtown venue, ensuring the celebration extended well into the early morning hours. The successful event is seen as a step toward restoring 1Oak’s prominence in New York’s competitive nightlife scene.