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Renovations
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March 28, 2006
Looking for theaters to revitalize
I recently fell upon this wonderful site and became a member.
I was doing a search on a local theater in NJ, the Harwan Theater. I had wanted to revitalize it and was hoping somehow I could re-design the space or buy it. I found out the theater is in the process of renovation and re-opening.
I am an interior designer and have always wanted to open my own club/restaurant. I was wondering if there are any theaters that are closed that can possibly be turned into a venue either for live theater, live music, club or a restaurant.
I am all for saving theater in this country but I didn’t realize the amount of theaters we have, unfortunately most of them are closed. I would like to save the architecture and possibly turn an existing run down space into something new and exciting.
Please if anyone can help me in achieving this I would highly appreciate this. Who do I need to contact? I will look into each theater individually if I have to. I would also be interested in saving the building to us as a theater if I felt that was the best use for the space.
Last thing, on average how much does a theater cost to buy? I live in NJ so anything in surrounding states is fine.
Thanks, Kristin
(My email is )
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March 22, 2006
Master Plan Complete for Historic Michigan Theatre
JACKSON, MI — Press Release: Theatre Rehabilitation Master Plan Complete for Historic Michigan Theatre in Jackson; Design Team is Led by GunnLevine Architects with Consulting Architects, SmithGroup, Inc.
Detroit-based GunnLevine Architects and consulting architect SmithGroup, Inc., completed rehabilitation master planning services for the Michigan Theatre in Jackson.
Since the theatre’s completion in 1930, the city of Jackson has experienced significant cultural changes, transitioning from a manufacturing base to a community that values itself as a leader in arts and educational programming. The current leadership plans to update the theatre’s programming to include movies, concerts, Community Theatre, children’s film festivals, special events and more.
Edward D. Francis, FAIA, lead architect and Principal for GunnLevine comments, “The interior, while smaller than the fabulous FOX in Detroit, is its equal in terms of decorative plaster, elaborate moldings, decorative tile, wood paneling, and ornamental ironwork. It’s the only theatre of its kind in mid-Michigan.”
The Michigan Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Historic Register and is located in a designated Historic District of Jackson, MI. The master plan completion is targeted for April of 2006.
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March 13, 2006
Wheaton Grand Theater to Close for Restoration April 1st
WHEATON, IL — The Wheaton Grand Theatre on Hale Street in downtown Wheaton has set a date of April 1st for the start of its restoration project, and will also be closed starting that date, which means its frequent rock shows will have to find a new host for the time being, according to this article in the Daily Herald.
The 80 year-old theater will be closed indefinitely while work on the estimated $7 million restoration kicks off. The goal is to bring the Grand back to its original single, 800-seat auditorium configuration. Ray Shepardson, who is the managing director of the restoration project, says, “I did not understand how effective and popular [the theater] was. But if we didn’t close now, the restoration was never going to happen.”
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February 28, 2006
Howard Theater Coming Back to Life!
WASHINGTON, DC — The District of Columbia government, after letting the historic Howard Theatre rot for decades, is finally going to save it and is seeking solicitations. Read this
press release for more information. -
February 14, 2006
Academy Theater Launches Memories Project in Celebration of Renovation
PORTLAND, OR — Portlanders are invited to join in commemorating the life and times of the historic Academy Theater, a gorgeous Streamline Moderne jewel located on Mt. Tabor, in the Southeast Portland neighborhood of Montavilla. The theater is scheduled to re-open next month for the first time in nearly thirty years.
In celebration of the grand re-opening, theater owners Ty Dupuis — proprietor of Flying Pie Pizzeria, and his business partners — local husband and wife team Heyward and Julie Stewart – who are currently in the process of renovating the landmark theater, are issuing a “call for memories,” inviting those who still remember the Academy Theater fondly to share their recollections. Amusing memories, reminiscences of first dates, old photos, and more are welcome.
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February 1, 2006
Vintage Cinema Sound Equipment Wanted
I am trying to get together a collection of vintage cinema sound equipment. I need BTH, Vitavox, Western Elecric, Gaumount Kalee, British Acoustical Speakers, Horns, Amplifiers, crossovers, Microphones, valves. Any leads will be appriciated. Please reply to
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January 18, 2006
Fox Theatre Seeks Partner(s)
CRESTVIEW, FL — Looking for a short term investor or other to help in the renovation of this FOX THEATRE. The name has been retained and is incorportated in the State of Florida.
Built in 1947, the Fox premiered the movie “12 O'Clock High.” The building location is on Main Street in downtown Crestview, Florida in the center of town. Crestview is located next to Eglin AFB where a lot of the filming was made as well as in Crestview. Gregory Peck was featured in local newspapers and played baseball with some of the local teams while filming here.
The theatre was closed in 1979 and I obtained it from the second owner. Due to local fire codes etc., I am looking for some help in bringing back to life this historical building. The theatre had a single screen and a larger stage has been added 20'X40'. With hopes of bringing it back to life, I plan on having live shows along with some movies and eats.
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January 17, 2006
Tower Theater in Oklahoma City Being Renovated
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The historic Tower Theater on Route 66 in Oklahoma City is currently undergoing renovations. If you have any photos, stories or information about this theater or would like to get involved please e-mail: .
Thank you,
Scott Fife
Uptown Development Group
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December 21, 2005
Freeing the Phoenix
OLYMPIA, WA — In 1997, Harlequin Productions embarked on an impossible dream.
With the generous help of our audience and friends, we resurrected the State Theater to create one of the artistic jewels of our community.
To commemorate that achievement, the lobby ceiling was adorned with a new mural: “Rising Phoenix”. With the opening of the State Theater, the bar was raised. Harlequin Productions met the challenge, delivering high-quality, adventurous theater in a beautiful, intimate setting and serving as a powerful economic driver for Olympia’s downtown.
Despite superb ticket sales, the combined fiscal pressures of a sluggish economy and the drain of the State Theater mortgage undermined the finances of the company from ‘01 – '03.
In March, 2004, faced with imminent closure, Harlequin Productions asked the community to determine whether the company was “to be, or not to be.” An overwhelmingly positive response eliminated the crisis and all short-term debt. To ensure the future fiscal health of the company, we must now perform maintenance and upgrades on our home and retire the mortgage.
For more information, visit this website.
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October 6, 2005
Renovation Begun at Garden Theatre
WINTER GARDEN, FL — Crews began restoration work October 5 on the 1935 Garden Theatre. The movie house, closed since 1963, will become a performing arts facility and part-time movie house for the community.
The interior of this house was set in a Spanish garden, with “Romeo and Juliet” balconies, greenery, lots of Spanish tile and a twinkling star ceiling. It was used as a warehouse for over 60 years. Plans are to match the original style as closely as possible, while extending the stage forward to give sufficient space for live performances. It will seat about 300, and the theatre is scheduled to open in late 2006.