I walked by this building during my last trip to San Francisco. At the time, it was serving as a parking lot — which was a pretty depressing sight. Hopefully, the new owners will find a more constructive use for this architectural gem. ANYTHING would be better.
Currently, Cinema Treasures is not accepting new images (more details), so that’s why this image hasn’t been updated, Tillmany.
Unfortunately, adding theater photos is extremely labor-intensive, and we have yet to develop a truly scalable solution capable of supporting thousands of theaters. But we do hope to finally overcome this challenge later this year.
In the meantime, though, I’ve removed the photo that was on this page, so at least there’s no confusion about which Presidio we’re talking about.
The story originated in the Mount Prospect Journal, as cited in the first paragraph of this article.
As with the rest of the stories we publish on Cinema Treasures, you may view the original article in its entirety by clicking on the link that appears in the attribution.
If you feel this story is one-sided, we recommend you contact Mount Prospect Journal directly.
I’m not so sure about that, Warren. Several microwave popcorn factory workers have gotten seriously ill. In some cases, their lung capacity has been almost totally destroyed.
Although the Fox article is a bit alarmist, it’s important to point out the workers inhaled vapors that were thousands, if not millions, of times stronger than what an ordinary consumer is likely to inhale when opening a bag of fresh popcorn.
Vincent — I think you’re being a little harsh here. While it may be easy to blame Nat Taylor for the demise of the movie palace, it’s not particularly fair.
Ultimately, as important as it is to save classic movie theaters, we must all recognize that the rise of multiplexes and megaplexes is due to one thing — moviegoers themselves. In a way, we are all victims of our own thirst for convenience.
Too, there are plenty of amazing “Cinema Treasures” that have more than a single screen, so it would seem Nat Taylor’s work was not all bad.
Here’s a link to the NY Daily News article you mentioned, Warren: View link
After reading both articles, it doesn’t appear that the decision is a setback for this project. As you can see in this comment, the community board is likely to approve the project once its concerns are addressed:
"We love the project, but it is just too big. What was supposed to be a minimum variance turned out to be a radical variance," said Chuck Apelian, vice chairman of the board and chairman of a special board committee that met with the developer over the past year in hopes of striking a deal that all would be happy with.
Too, 2006, the expected completion date, isn’t very far away…
Perhaps not, Andy. I just checked with the theater. The woman who answered the Ziegfeld’s box office hotline said the theater is closed until March 5 for renovations.
The best way I can describe the “The 2wenty” is that it’s a lot like entertainment news shows like Entertainment Tonight and Extra. While entertaining, it mostly serves to promote — either as advertisements or featurettes — existing or upcoming television shows, movies, and the like.
FYI — we just added three more shots to this story: the basement lounge in 1935, the entrance lobby today, and a great nighttime shot from 1936. Thanks again, Sean!
That’s great news, Grant! It’s heartening to learn the Villa’s new owner appreciates the theater’s beauty and is taking steps to preserve it.
I walked by this building during my last trip to San Francisco. At the time, it was serving as a parking lot — which was a pretty depressing sight. Hopefully, the new owners will find a more constructive use for this architectural gem. ANYTHING would be better.
Currently, Cinema Treasures is not accepting new images (more details), so that’s why this image hasn’t been updated, Tillmany.
Unfortunately, adding theater photos is extremely labor-intensive, and we have yet to develop a truly scalable solution capable of supporting thousands of theaters. But we do hope to finally overcome this challenge later this year.
In the meantime, though, I’ve removed the photo that was on this page, so at least there’s no confusion about which Presidio we’re talking about.
I can’t wait for this theater to reopen. I’m in the Beaufort area occasionally, so now I’ll finally have the chance to watch a movie here!
Thanks, Chuck. I’ve fixed the byline!
Absolutely, Gerald. It’s just unfortunate to see the theater become a victim of this controversy.
The story originated in the Mount Prospect Journal, as cited in the first paragraph of this article.
As with the rest of the stories we publish on Cinema Treasures, you may view the original article in its entirety by clicking on the link that appears in the attribution.
If you feel this story is one-sided, we recommend you contact Mount Prospect Journal directly.
The website address is correct, jay5327. However, it looks like the site is currently unavailable for some reason. :(
Thanks to everyone from writing in about this! We’ve removed Michael’s account (and associated comments).
The video is really cool, guys. If you haven’t seen it, it’s definitely worth a look.
Thanks for the correction, Roger!
That’s great news, Jaime! Please keep sending us reports on your progress!!! :)
I’m not so sure about that, Warren. Several microwave popcorn factory workers have gotten seriously ill. In some cases, their lung capacity has been almost totally destroyed.
Although the Fox article is a bit alarmist, it’s important to point out the workers inhaled vapors that were thousands, if not millions, of times stronger than what an ordinary consumer is likely to inhale when opening a bag of fresh popcorn.
Thanks, Charles!
Thanks for the update, Ian. This is certainly a beautiful theater.
Vincent — I think you’re being a little harsh here. While it may be easy to blame Nat Taylor for the demise of the movie palace, it’s not particularly fair.
Ultimately, as important as it is to save classic movie theaters, we must all recognize that the rise of multiplexes and megaplexes is due to one thing — moviegoers themselves. In a way, we are all victims of our own thirst for convenience.
Too, there are plenty of amazing “Cinema Treasures” that have more than a single screen, so it would seem Nat Taylor’s work was not all bad.
Here’s a link to the NY Daily News article you mentioned, Warren:
View link
After reading both articles, it doesn’t appear that the decision is a setback for this project. As you can see in this comment, the community board is likely to approve the project once its concerns are addressed:
Too, 2006, the expected completion date, isn’t very far away…
I couldn’t agree more. It’d be a real shame to lose the Ziegfeld.
Perhaps not, Andy. I just checked with the theater. The woman who answered the Ziegfeld’s box office hotline said the theater is closed until March 5 for renovations.
Oh, sorry. Braindead here.
The best way I can describe the “The 2wenty” is that it’s a lot like entertainment news shows like Entertainment Tonight and Extra. While entertaining, it mostly serves to promote — either as advertisements or featurettes — existing or upcoming television shows, movies, and the like.
I’m not familiar with the Regal/Turner deal, Todd. Do you have a link to any coverage where I can read more about it?
Halberst — next time, send your photos to us so we can include them in a future update about the Empress!
… or maybe “America’s Most Beautiful Suburban Theater”. The first word seems too short to be Minneapolis.
FYI — we just added three more shots to this story: the basement lounge in 1935, the entrance lobby today, and a great nighttime shot from 1936. Thanks again, Sean!
vic — is there any chance you can shoot some photos of the Alexandria’s last show?