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Theater preservation advice
posted by
Michael Zoldessy
on
December 14, 2007 at 11:00 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)
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!
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.
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.
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.
The League of Historic American Theaters is well-equipped to offer advice.
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.
Does anyone know the name of the real estate agency with which it is listed?
I wonder why there’s the architect discrepancy.
Loew’s New Rochelle can retrieved as follows:
/theaters/4558/
If I find any more information or photos, I’ll gladly let everyone know.
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!
where are local .please email me at
where are you local .please email at
Does anyone have any inside photos of the arch for example?
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.
Good luck.