posted by
jhazel
on
September 24, 2010 at 10:39 am
There is an old theater in our town I would like to buy, renovate and reopen. Small community of about 25,000. Any suggestions/advise from someone who has done this?
You should go to Big Screen Biz site for many of your questions on how to reopen a theatre. Also look at League of Historic American Theatres (lhat.org). On their front page there is a link for Historic Theatre Rescue & Rehab Manual. Between both of them you will find most of your questions answered.
I worked with the committee and board renovating the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, FL. Our 1935 theatre building was in miserable shape—having been used as a warehouse for over 40 years after the movie theatre closed. By applying for grants from the state, county and city, we raised a lot of capital We also received sizeable contributions from individuals. When all was said and done, our renovation cost $3.1 million. We raised about $2.1 million. The City of Winter Garden paid off our balance after we deeded the building back to it. Since the City owns the building now, it does the maintenance and repairs needed. A sweetheart deal! We have been very successful in our city of about 35,000 population. However, bear in mind, most of our fundraising was done in better economic times, and grants are much more difficult to come by now than they were at the time we were renovating. I wish you the best with your worthwhile project.
I am a construction superintendent that renovates
cinamas. You can follow the progress of projects
I am doing and have done at; themeconsuper.blogspot.com
Steve
We,KD Seating, is a professinal seat factory with 20 years' manufacturing experience.
As the OEM manufacturer for many big name companies such as Track Seating USA, Series Seating USA, Ferco Seating UK, EHEIM Möbel German, Universal Seating Russia etc., we have already installed many projects in North America.
You can get new seats with used seats cost from here. Door to Door shipment is accepted.
Comments (6)
You should go to Big Screen Biz site for many of your questions on how to reopen a theatre. Also look at League of Historic American Theatres (lhat.org). On their front page there is a link for Historic Theatre Rescue & Rehab Manual. Between both of them you will find most of your questions answered.
I worked with the committee and board renovating the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, FL. Our 1935 theatre building was in miserable shape—having been used as a warehouse for over 40 years after the movie theatre closed. By applying for grants from the state, county and city, we raised a lot of capital We also received sizeable contributions from individuals. When all was said and done, our renovation cost $3.1 million. We raised about $2.1 million. The City of Winter Garden paid off our balance after we deeded the building back to it. Since the City owns the building now, it does the maintenance and repairs needed. A sweetheart deal! We have been very successful in our city of about 35,000 population. However, bear in mind, most of our fundraising was done in better economic times, and grants are much more difficult to come by now than they were at the time we were renovating. I wish you the best with your worthwhile project.
Have you considered applying for a 501-C-3 ‘non-profit license?
Look into what that ‘title’ offers (small businesses & donors) especially in the world of entertainment.
Send me an email. I’d be happy to discuss and/or review your ideas. There’s lots to consider. Much beyond “wanting” to reopen and or save a theatre.
I am a construction superintendent that renovates
cinamas. You can follow the progress of projects
I am doing and have done at; themeconsuper.blogspot.com
Steve
We,KD Seating, is a professinal seat factory with 20 years' manufacturing experience.
As the OEM manufacturer for many big name companies such as Track Seating USA, Series Seating USA, Ferco Seating UK, EHEIM Möbel German, Universal Seating Russia etc., we have already installed many projects in North America.
You can get new seats with used seats cost from here. Door to Door shipment is accepted.
Bob Yeung
KD Seating
Tel:+86 136 6339 1365
www.kdseating.com /