Theater preservation advice

posted by Michael Zoldessy on December 14, 2007 at 8:00 am

From: Joseph Trapasso

I am a young and impoverished real estate agent, with a background in the performing arts. I have done due diligence and discovery on a theater in my town slated to be knocked down for condos, now back on the market. I could sell it in a heartbeat to any moron looking to open a night club, but the best use for this lot is restoration for the sake of the community and the preservation of an important film and music heritage.

Millions needed.

My dream is that it becomes a Performing Arts Center with a focus on community involvement. Over 23,000 sq ft. Space for Retail and Concessions. Absolutely Dreamy…The architect is H. Krapp

I am thinking I need to get an exclusive on it in order to prevent sale to developers, or just buy it out right.

I don’t know what to do, please help.
Regards
Joe

Comments (15)

rivieraservices
rivieraservices on December 14, 2007 at 8:38 am

Hey Joe, why dont you let us in on the name of the theater and the name of the town. Before someone invests that much money, they might actually want to know where it is. The fact that it’s in your home town is not really that important!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller on December 15, 2007 at 10:47 am

Hi Joe, I find it commendable that you are willing to hold off on selling to any developer who’s looking to make a quick buck. What is the name of the theater and where is it located? It would also help if you can track down a vintage photo of this gem, and acquire estimates on restoring and adaptively reusing it. Please let us know shortly.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller on December 15, 2007 at 10:49 am

P.S. Photos of the streetscape and a variety of facade and interior shots would also be of assistance to potential investors. Post a link to flickr.

Edenfield
Edenfield on December 15, 2007 at 11:06 am

Joe,
I am the Producing Artistic Director of a non-profit theatre company whose mission is to produce professional musical theatre. We are a fledgling organization without a home. I am very interested in your dream of saving this theatre and it making it a Performing Arts Center. Maybe we should talk.

Broan
Broan on December 16, 2007 at 11:01 am

The League of Historic American Theaters is well-equipped to offer advice.

joemasher
joemasher on December 17, 2007 at 3:28 am

The theater pictured is the Loew’s New Rochelle, New Rochelle, NY, which last served as a nightclub and has been empty for a few years now.

rivieraservices
rivieraservices on December 17, 2007 at 9:59 am

Does anyone know the name of the real estate agency with which it is listed?

Broan
Broan on December 17, 2007 at 1:03 pm

I wonder why there’s the architect discrepancy.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller on December 18, 2007 at 1:31 am

Loew’s New Rochelle can retrieved as follows:

/theaters/4558/

If I find any more information or photos, I’ll gladly let everyone know.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller on December 18, 2007 at 1:40 am

The address is 595 Main St. This website contains more information:

http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/23592.html

Here are some intriguing photos. The terra cotta facade can be stripped of its black paint, that was likely applied by the nightclub:

View link
View link

Let’s pray in solidarity for the best possible outcome for this historic gem!

tube2005
tube2005 on December 18, 2007 at 8:11 pm

where are local .please email me at

tube2005
tube2005 on December 18, 2007 at 8:11 pm

where are you local .please email at

rivieraservices
rivieraservices on December 19, 2007 at 11:30 am

Does anyone have any inside photos of the arch for example?

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller on December 19, 2007 at 12:18 pm

I couldn’t come across any interior shots, but will keep trying. The New Rochelle Theatre was being erected by the Keith-Albee circuit, according to an August 29, 1926 NY Times article available via Proquest. For all who have access, it is as follows:

View link

This article contributes to the theater’s significance for preservation through restoration and adaptive reuse.

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