Lakewood Theatre

Theater is located at 6120 Motor Avenue. Built in 1937, it features separate glassed-in smoking room and cry room in the balcony.

Does anyone know the current status of this theater? I loved going to movies there as a child, and I still enjoying driving by it. It's such a pretty building. For a place that seemingly sits vacant, it has been kept it good shape.

Still available for lease from First Western Commercial Real Estate.

The rent they want is way too much: $7,000 a month for a single screen theater!

I recently discovered that my movie-fanatic brother-in-law had looked into leasing this space. He agrees with you, Ken, on the price, and he says it needs handicap-accessible upgrades and other updates as well. Too bad. It always makes me sad to see it just sitting there. Guess we know why, though ...

Here is a list of the handicap stuff that would need to be done here (and it is not much):

EXTERIOR:
Exterior ramp to the entrance doors

INTERIOR:
Handicap bathroom on main floor (regular bathrooms are upstairs)

Ramp up to the right side of stage

Widen one exit door behind stage to accomodate wheelchairs.

There is a GREAT letter to the editor in today's News Tribune:


Lakewood, unite to save landmark theater
by Christine Gould, Lakewood

Published: February 28th, 2006

As a 40-year resident of Lakewood, it breaks my heart seeing the Lakewood Theater disintegrate year after year before my very eyes.

While I realize this edifice is in desperate need of repair and building code upgrades, I do not understand why the citizens of Lakewood haven’t rallied together in order to save such an important part of our local history. Surely, the Norton Clapp family who opened the Lakewood Center in 1937 is as saddened as I am watching this historically significant structure deteriorate.

There are many families who have resided in Lakewood as long as I who have the financial means to contribute toward such a worthy cause. Even though many of us less fortunate souls struggle to make ends meet, individually we could each find a few dollars to spare in an effort to save our wonderful theater.

Look how popular the Tacoma Grand Cinema has become in the last few years; it is refreshing to see unusual movies not normally shown at the “big box” chains. We, too, could have our own version of the Grand, one that would help revitalize Colonial Center and give our city a “heart” once again.

The main sticking point is the rent. The theater could never survive at $7,000 a month for rent! The rent should only be $1,500 a month. This wonderful little theater needs to be open!

Found a photo from 1937 here:
http://search.tpl.lib.wa.us/southsound/southsound.asp?now=4-December-2003

The News Tribune -- www.thenewstribune.com -- ran a big story about Lakewood's past and present on Sunday. A lot of the focus was on the theater -- its condition, its current status, the possibility of a buyer. Here's a link to the story ...

http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/insight/story/5721489p-5122679c.html

Oh no---not that guy that ruined the Liberty Theater in Puyallup! Say it ain't so!

Ken, what did Neumann do to the Liberty?

With the balcony still present, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to change the main floor seating to stadium or sloped seating. It appears the back 1/2 of the patrons would experience less than ideal lines of sight.

$7k/mo is a joke... there is obviously a reason he doesn't want to sell/lease. What a huge shame- this is a gorgeous theater, an exhibitor's dream.

Updated leasing information as of Jan 2007:

Gramor Development LLC
John Graham
(206) 284-4066 or (206) 284-4060
www.gramorgroup.com

Theater is part of the "Lakewood Colonial Center" on Gramor's website.

This is another photo of the Lakewood Theater. Date given for photo is February 28, 1941.

According to the Tacoma Public Library, the architect of the Lakewood Theater was Silas E. Nelsen.

The Lakewood Colonial Theater needs to be bought by someone who wants to restore it to its "glory" days. I grew up watching double features on Saturday and the
idnight movie on weekends.
The Blue Mouse Theater in the Proctor District was bought and renovated by a small group of investors.
What is the sell price of the Lakewood Theater? Why would the current owner just "sit" on this landmark? Buildings with such a rich history, that can bring back vivid memories, must be made operable again!!!

I am serious, what is the sell price?

Paul in Lakewood
CP Warrior76

Touche!

Friend of CP Warrior76

Contact John Graham at 206-284-4066 and ask the price.

There's fresh talk about the Lakewood Theatre. News Tribune reporter Brent Champaco posted some news on his blog.

Here's the complete story about what the City of Lakewood is contemplating regarding the theater:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/913261.html