Harry Potter had a “Room of Necessity” that magically transformed into whatever he needed whenever he needed it.

Athens musicians have one too – Nuci’s Space.

A concert venue, practice space, library, coffeehouse and counseling facility, Nuci’s Space serves as a resource and support center assisting Athens musicians.

This weekend, Nuci’s Space celebrates its seventh anniversary since opening the doors in September of 2000.

“It’s like living a prolonged dream,” said Bob Sleppy, executive director at Nuci’s. “To still be able to do what you want to do – it’s quite remarkable,” he said. “You’re unsure if you’re even awake.”

Linda Phillips, founder of Nuci’s Space, echoed Sleppy’s sentiments.

“Every year we’re open is a milestone,” she said.

For Phillips, Nuci’s Space is as unique as the person to which it is dedicated – her son.

On Thanksgiving Day in 1996, 22-year-old University student and promising musician Nuci Phillips shot and killed himself after a five-year battle with depression.

After Nuci’s death, Phillips wanted to remember her son in a way that also would help those who shared his passion for music and perhaps his pain. Thus came the idea to create a place where musicians could find affordable health care and practice spaces.

“One of the problems Nuci always had was finding a place to practice his music,” said Phillips.

She chose Nuci’s location because of its proximity to downtown and the University.

However, the building had been unused for years.

“We literally had to rebuild the building,” Sleppy said. “There were no interior walls and no plumbing. Water was running down and had destroyed the foundation to one of the walls.”

The first few months also were fiscally trying. By December of 2000, the space had $123 in the bank and owed thousands in construction.

“In January, people finally started showing up and it started turning around,” Sleppy said. “When you care about something, you somehow find the energy to make things happen.”

Today, Nuci’s Space offers professional counseling services, state of the art practice spaces and plays host to numerous benefit concerts throughout the year.

When asked how Nuci would have felt about the center, Phillips immediately replied that “he would have loved it. It reflects his attitude and how he felt about others.”

In Phillips’ eyes, Nuci’s Space offers a haven to those like Nu�i – musicians with so much potential who lack the means to overcome certain personal or practical obstacles.

“Now, we’re able to help other Nucis who are still with us,” she said.