The 44 Below was an underground club operated by the Falcone Crime Syndicate. Located underneath the Shoreline Lofts and apparently legitimate Iceberg Lounge, it was frequently visited by criminals and corrupt officials in Gotham.
History[]
The 44 Below's history is unknown, though it was presumably in operation long before Batman's crusade. Located in the basement of the Shoreline Lofts, it was presumably run by Carmine Falcone or another member of the Syndicate. The 44 Below was frequently visited by criminals and politicians on their payroll, including rivals such as Salvatore Maroni. The club was often the scene for illegal activities such as Drops usage and prostitution, with it heavily implied that staff also took part in these.
Selina Kyle's mother, Maria, was an employee at the 44 Below, through which she met Falcone. During Selina's childhood, she was often taken into the back rooms. Using Maroni's visits to the 44 Below, Falcone also used information gathered from there by both him and associates to facilitate a drug bust. At some point, the seemingly legitimate Iceberg Lounge was established above the club to mask its existence to the public. The only known method to access the club was through a guarded elevator near the Lounge's backrooms.
Several mob-connected patrons at the 44 Below
During Batman's operations, Mayor Don Mitchell Jr. and DA Gil Colson often visited the 44 Below. Corrupt narcotics officers William Kenzie also served as a bouncer to the club. Among its employees were Annika Kosolov, Carla Diaz and Cheri, both of whom appeared to be the mistresses to Michell and Falcone, respectively.
During Riddler's murders of Falcone Syndicate associates, Batman sent Selina Kyle into the 44 Below to acquire information related to it. During the visit, she encountered DA Colson and his coworkers, who'd visited the club. Falcone also visited the club during the night, during which he encountered Kyle.