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The latest movie theater news and updates
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March 21, 2008
Sheridan Plaza gone
HOLLYWOOD, FL — AMC Sheridan Plaza Theatres, is no more. It was torn down last month by the mall owner, in order to accomadate a Kohl’s department store. I installed the projection equipment and was the opening Projectionist/ Asst. Mgr. ( Union!) when the place opened in 1985. One of our frequent guests was the man himself, Stan Durwood, owner and founder of the AMC chain. Stan liked to visit us, because it was warmer in Hollywood than it was in his hometown of Kansas City. Even in his 70’s and 80’s, Stan would bring his weight lifting equipment when he came south.
In later years, AMC had added five newer auditoriums to bring the complex up to twelve screens, all with Simplex XL projectors which, went down with the building. I saw it being torn down and saw into “my” former booths and all of the equipment was still inside, including the Christie Platters. Oh well.
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St. Louis-based Wehrenbeg Theatres to remain family-owned
According to this article in the St. Louis Business Journal, the 102-year-old Wehrenberg Theatre operation, the oldest family-owned theater chain in the United States, is being withdrawn from the market as available for sale. Apparently, no acceptable offers appeared to be forthcoming in the current economic climate.
As reported first in the St. Louis Business Journal in December, Wehrenberg, the country’s oldest family-owned and operated theater chain, was looking for a buyer for its 102-year-old theater operations. The company hired UBS Investment Bank to lead the search, but potential buyers were unable to make an offer that reflected the full value of Wehrenberg, Krueger said in a statement.
“I concluded the best action for our company is to be proactive to determine our own future,” Krueger said in a statement.
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ISO: Century SA intermittent assembly
Looking for a rebuild intermittent assembly for a Century SA projector for a reasonable price.
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March 20, 2008
Everett faces tough road ahead
MIDDLETOWN, DE — Until further notice, The Historic Everett Theatre is closed. At approximately 11:30 pm Saturday March 15th, portions of the ceiling collapsed causing extensive damage. The theatre was vacant at the time.
The theatre will suffer significant financial harm due to the cost of repairs, as well as the loss of revenue for planned movies and performances.
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Cinema Treasures, a best bet
The Florida Times-Union named Cinema Treasures one of the best bets on the web.
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ISO: Jersey theater for sale/lease
I am trying to buy or lease a theater in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Any help finding one would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks,
Greg Fodor -
March 19, 2008
NYC once again seeking developer for Brooklyn’s Loew’s Kings Theatre
BROOKLYN, NY — New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is seeking a developer and operator for the former Loew’s Kings Theatre.
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in cooperation with the Brooklyn Borough President, is seeking a developer and operator for the former Loew’s Kings Theatre (the “Theatre”). Responses to this Request for Proposals (RFP) must present plans to lease, rehabilitate and operate the theatre.
More in the Press Release
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New Regal given new life
CHICAGO, IL — Last year it was revealed that this atmospheric would reopen in October but no more news followed and the new website remained static. The delay was caused by an amount of $1.9 million which was owed to the city. City officials have now waived this debt which has allowed the new owners to purchase the theatre for $2.36 million. The new owners have already spent $400,000 on refurbishment,so can expect the theatre will reopen sometime soon.
With a big assist from City Hall, investors have purchased the New Regal Theater with plans to revive the South Side landmark as a showcase for live entertainment.
A venture run by Regina Evans, a former Chicago Police lieutenant who owns a limousine service, this week closed on a $2.36 million acquisition of the theater at 1641 E. 79th St. The deal has been pending for months and was made possible by an agreement from city officials to forgive $1.9 million in public loans and grants attached to the property.
Full story in the Sun Times.
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Old Berri cinema to become Theatre TELUS
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA — After the Spectrum closed, the cultural landscape of mid-sized concert venues got that much smaller.
But now a new concert hall is born out of a new ten year partnership between cell phone provider Telus and Groupe Laberge, owners of the popular Quebec City showbar Dagobert.
Rumours have been circulating for awhile that they were going to buy up and fix up the old Berri cineplex on St. Denis Street near Ste-Catherine Street.
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March 18, 2008
Re-renovation planned for Detroit’s Fisher Theatre
DETROIT, MI — A $3.5 million update is in the works for Nederlander’s Fisher Theater, as reported in a Detroit News article late last year.
The Fisher opened in 1928 as an ornate movie palace in the unusual Mayan Revival style, but even its 1961 remodeling for theatrical performances was historic: it was the last architectural commission credited to the firm of Rapp and Rapp.
The article points out that the current renovation plan is tentative, and doesn’t offer details about how the auditorium might change other than by gaining 300 seats. The Nederlander site doesn’t offer any information at all.