Dowd Center Theatre
120 S. Main Street,
Monroe,
NC
28112
120 S. Main Street,
Monroe,
NC
28112
4 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 40 comments
Along with its new name, the Dowd Center Theatre has a new web site.
This theater has been renovated inside and out and is now called the Dowd Center Theatre. It is a multi-use performance space with movie screenings planned as well.
Hello, I’m currently a staff organist at the Lafayette organ in Suffern NJ., built a digital 2nd chamber for the organ and now co-crew chief of the organ. I will be moving to Salisbury NC this summer and would like to help with your Robert Morton project. My page explains some of my projects at: http://theatreorgans.com/vtpobydon/.
Thanks and happy restoration, Eugene D Hayek
The report is in from our structural engineer and the Center Theatre gets a passing grade! Now we can move it forward. Stay tuned!
So good to meet Patsy this week! Thank you for your interest in our project and for a wonderful visit. We look forward to many more encounters.
Cinema Treasures indicates the Center Theatre was equipped with 2 screens and seating for 400. In reality the theatre originally had seating for 846 including the balcony. The balcony was partitioned off and fitted with a second screen for a few years. That screen was removed several years ago.
Patsy and Don, Thank you for your interest in the Center Theatre. Patsy, you may call anytime to arrange a tour. My number is 704 458 8881. Don, I am an organbuilder in the Charlotte area with 37 years of experience. I have considered all the issues you address and feel confident we can make this instrument work in the space. Haven’t determined an operating system yet and am working with my consultant, Scott Foppiano about that. My work includes installation of the very large, 205 rank Moller at Calvary Church, Charlotte, NC. I currently represent Reuter Organ Company of Lawrence, KS. Would love to have conversation with you regarding our 3/13 Robert Morton. Please feel free to use the above number to reach me. You may also contact me at . Thanks both for your comments!
I plan on calling the theatre and arrange a tour on behalf of Cinema Treasures this month!
Don: The Center is on FB. If you are on FB, please post your theatre organ knowledge there too!
Don: I enjoyed reading your lengthy post. Have been to the Polk Theatre in Lakeland and heard that theatre organ. Don’t know if you are a new CT member. If so, welcome aboard.
My name is Don Jeerings, and I have been involved with 6 organ installatons, including the Robert Morton 3/13 installation in the Polk Theater in Lakeland Fl.
I am looking at your photos of the Center Theatre, For a full 3/13 Robert Morton installation, You may be very limited on space.
In the photo, I see two openings(one each side of the stage). Does your Robert Morton 3/13 organ, include the toy counter and rank extensions? If so, you will need to be very prudent with the pipe space and layout in your installation.
You will need to install shutters over the openings for expression, and the blowers will need to be located where they can draw air from inside. Pipe organs are extremely sensitive to air temperature / tuning. I expect the vintage or your organ will employ an OrgoBlow unit. Very heavy with a 5 HP motor, (may be 3 phase)
Is the purchased organ equiped with a combination action operating system?. Be cautious in what operating system you buy. You will find all kinds of helpful (free) advise, but some of it will be only worth what you paid for it.
I have worked on 4 different operating systems.
Our organ uses a “Petersen combination action system” with two 7.5 Hp blowers at 21" pressure. We have an organ elevator lift,in the pit, but do not use it. Our organ sets forward of the procenium, stage Right.
Where do you intend to locate your console?
Since you building is going to require major renovation, now is the time to provide access for cables and air lines to the chambers. Give this full consideration and save major work later.
If you would like to view the installed system in Lakeland Fl, our maintenance crew (4 to 6 people) perform tuning and maintenance each Wednesday. (I have access (for console time) any time the theatre is not in use)
I am 87 years old, quite nimble, and play for pre-show movies, but no longer able to climb in the chambers.
If I or our maintenance Crew chief can be of any hilp (with free advice, for what it’s worth), you can e-mail me.
.com
Here is a nice story about The Center and the plans for it: http://www.myfoxcarolinas.com/story/26681393/millions-being-put-into-monroes-center-theatre
Patsy, The vertical blade has survived but the lettering has not. We will be further researching this to determine exactly what the original looked like. A complete Marquee renovation is in the plans.
What is the current status of this theatre? And have learned through research that this theatre had a vertical blade sign that read CENTER though it doesn’t seem to appear in any recent photo. Anyone have additonal information about this?
You have 9 theaters listed for Monroe. There was a 10th, “The Moonlite Drive In”. It was 2 miles east of the Monroe city limits on US 74 and a 1 ½ miles from the Wingate town limits. It opened in 1947 and operated until 1954.
The Center Theatre is creating a lot of excitement in Monroe, NC! Visit us on Facebook to learn more. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Center-Theatre/412745135514643
Very good news! When in Charlotte next, must go see any and all progress!
The City of Monroe has acquired the Center Theatre. A private group “Center Theatre Development” has entered into agreement with the City to move forward with renovations. For more information visit www.TheCenterTheatre.org
There was no Asbestos. The current owner was ordered to stop work because he failed to pull the proper permits.
Big things about to begin at the Center! Stay tuned…
i heard that who ever was trying to restore the center theater, that they found asbestas and had to stop.
Interesting history.Thanks fotomom for the pictures.
fotomom: I just alerted a theatre/architect friend in Charlotte about your recent post. He was involved in bringing Our Town Cinema to Davidson NC. And if the Temptations have a website with an email address I will try and contact the member of the group who is originally from Monroe.
I was there today, and I took some pictures:
View link
In the 80s, I lived in Monroe and saw several movies at this theater. Today pigeons and other birds live in the marquee. Looks like someone started to restore the bldg. in 2007 but was stopped. I sure hope someone restores it.
One of the members of the Motown singing group, the Temptations is originally from Monroe NC. It would be nice to think he could lend some help to his hometown theatre.