According to the above article, the victory has raised $19,500,000 of the $27,000 needed to complete the renovation, and they sre launching a fundraising campaign to raise the remaining amount. A much earlier fundraising cappain’s proceeds were partially used some time ago to repaier the roof, remove asbestos, board up the building and complete the renovation plans.
The photos referenced in TC’s 2005 link above appear to have been done right after the 1940s renovation. They are all dated 1943, and everything looks all freshened up. The good news is the original decor is almost completely intact – just a few minor art deco touches here and there (movie poster cases in the lobby, etc.)
The auditorium photo is intriguing – it looks like there are about 1,800 seats there (the description says 1,400 after the renovation). I can’t figure how the auditorium could have originally held 3,000 – unless there was a 2nd balcony that was completely removed during the renovation.
points out that the repairs still hasn’t started yet, as the legislature is working out an extension to the developer’s tax credits. They’re still hoping to have it reopened for the 2012-2013 season.
1940?? I had always thought the Paramount opened sometime in the 1920s, based on the decor, but my memory isn’t the best. At any rate, it’s a shame it’s gone.
Update: The managers packed it in after receiving a hefty rent increase. No word on whether it will be rented to new managers or converted to retail or another use.
Projection System
Film:
•35/70mm Century projectors with variable speed capabilities and1:37, 1:66, 1:85 and 2:35 anamorphic aspect ratios; 4500 xenon bulb.
•16mm Elmo projector with 24fps and 18fps speeds, full frame and anamorphic; 2000 watt xenon bulb.
Video:
•Barco DP2000 2K DCI compliant DLP projector with Dolby 3D
•Video decks available: HDCAM (Sony J-H3), Digibeta and Beta SP NTSC and PAL (Sony J-3 , J-30), HDV (Sony HVR-M25U), DVCAM (Sony DSR-11), DVC PRO (Panasonic AJ â€"D250), DVD, VHS, and 3/4†U-Matic
Sound System
•Dolby cinema processor with SRD, SR and mono soundtrack playback
•Bi-amped sound system with subwoofers and surrounds
•Dolby E available through Dolby DMA8 Plus
The RKO Boston had the balcony walled off with a concrete ceiling extending from the balcony to the back stage, with a Cinerema auditorium in the orchestra section. This was subsequently twinned before the building closed (currently used for sotrage). The theater originally seated just over 3,000, so the two screens must be at least 700 seats each. The upper part has been vacant since the 1960s at least – most of the plaster ornamentation is there but a lot of stuff (lighting, etc). was stripped out and that portion at least would require a lot of renovation. I am not sure of the condition of the lower part (vacant since mid 1980s). The exterior of the building is a national landmark so the building itself is being maintained.
There isn’t much else in the Boston area in terms of triplexes – the old Cinema 57 downtown (Now Stuart Street Theatre) was a twin. Current tenants have only renovated one auditorium; the other is still empty, but possibly available.
Good news in the Philadelphia Inquirer article above. The group working to save the theater has raised enough money to do the first phase of renovation – restoration of the exterior and the office portion in front. Rental income from the offices will help raise the $5.5 million needed to complete phase II – the auditorium. They’re on the right track!
spectrum
commented about
Zoeticon
Feb 3, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Very interesting interior views (their website is still up) – looks like the audirotium was redone in a new, but classical looking motif. Seating looks like modernist-style church pews. The place looks in great shape and could easily be reopened as a performing arts venue or church.
In a 2010 google street view, the building has been renovated – the exterior all cleaned up with the original red brick glowing brightly. The building is now the Forest County Potcowotomi Community Hall. The adjacent buildings and street/sidewalks are all currently being renovated.
As of 2010 it appears to be still standing as a furniture store. A long lobby leads to an auditorium way out back behind the neighboring retail buildings. Looks rather long and narrow – not much of a stage house on it – that may have been removed during the 1948 remodeling.
They have been holding a number of fundraidingevents, some of them at the theatre itself, haunted halloween and ghost hunting type events in fall of 2010.
2010 Google view shows the building still with its new clapboard siding in excellent shape, but no signage whatsoever on the building. I don’t know if it is merely dormant or used for something that puts out no signs. At any rate the building clearly looks maintained (maybe for rent). But the church listed above did not move in – they are located elsewhere in the city.
Sorry, that should read “19,500,000 of $27,000,000” (above)
According to the above article, the victory has raised $19,500,000 of the $27,000 needed to complete the renovation, and they sre launching a fundraising campaign to raise the remaining amount. A much earlier fundraising cappain’s proceeds were partially used some time ago to repaier the roof, remove asbestos, board up the building and complete the renovation plans.
The photos referenced in TC’s 2005 link above appear to have been done right after the 1940s renovation. They are all dated 1943, and everything looks all freshened up. The good news is the original decor is almost completely intact – just a few minor art deco touches here and there (movie poster cases in the lobby, etc.)
The auditorium photo is intriguing – it looks like there are about 1,800 seats there (the description says 1,400 after the renovation). I can’t figure how the auditorium could have originally held 3,000 – unless there was a 2nd balcony that was completely removed during the renovation.
Their official website is back up at http://thesaengertheatre.com/
Mostly it’s a place holder saying more details on the renovation will come soon and has links to their productions at Mahalia jackson theatre.
This article http://www.wdsu.com/r/27209846/detail.html
points out that the repairs still hasn’t started yet, as the legislature is working out an extension to the developer’s tax credits. They’re still hoping to have it reopened for the 2012-2013 season.
According to this article (http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/03/post_35.html), renovations of the Orpheum started on 2/14/11.
Over the next 12-14 months they plan to repair the roof, stage, electrical, seating and everything else.
They are continuing to secure financing while the work progresses.
The previous owners (mentioned in above posts to 2009) sold the orpheum to a new owner in 2010.
Some more details:
Each auditorium has it’s own name:
1: Main Stage. Seating: 519 orchestra, 243 (usable) Balcony
2. Ballroom. (upstairs) Seating: 108
3. Jewel Box. (the former back orchestra) Seating: 130
4. Lathis 4. (in adjacent storefront) Seating: 100
The proscenium is 31 feet wide, the stage 26 feet high, the stage is 18 feet deep from plaster line (proscenium?) to the back wall. is 18 feet deep
With the closing of the Kipling Cinemas on 3/27/11, the Lathis should start doing very good business, being the only cinemas left in town.
1940?? I had always thought the Paramount opened sometime in the 1920s, based on the decor, but my memory isn’t the best. At any rate, it’s a shame it’s gone.
Update: The managers packed it in after receiving a hefty rent increase. No word on whether it will be rented to new managers or converted to retail or another use.
The Kipling Cinemas have closed. No indication whether this is temporary or permanent.
Nov. 2010 article about efforts to restore the Metropolitan:
View link
From their website:
Projection System
Film:
•35/70mm Century projectors with variable speed capabilities and1:37, 1:66, 1:85 and 2:35 anamorphic aspect ratios; 4500 xenon bulb.
•16mm Elmo projector with 24fps and 18fps speeds, full frame and anamorphic; 2000 watt xenon bulb.
Video:
•Barco DP2000 2K DCI compliant DLP projector with Dolby 3D
•Video decks available: HDCAM (Sony J-H3), Digibeta and Beta SP NTSC and PAL (Sony J-3 , J-30), HDV (Sony HVR-M25U), DVCAM (Sony DSR-11), DVC PRO (Panasonic AJ â€"D250), DVD, VHS, and 3/4†U-Matic
Sound System
•Dolby cinema processor with SRD, SR and mono soundtrack playback
•Bi-amped sound system with subwoofers and surrounds
•Dolby E available through Dolby DMA8 Plus
The RKO Boston had the balcony walled off with a concrete ceiling extending from the balcony to the back stage, with a Cinerema auditorium in the orchestra section. This was subsequently twinned before the building closed (currently used for sotrage). The theater originally seated just over 3,000, so the two screens must be at least 700 seats each. The upper part has been vacant since the 1960s at least – most of the plaster ornamentation is there but a lot of stuff (lighting, etc). was stripped out and that portion at least would require a lot of renovation. I am not sure of the condition of the lower part (vacant since mid 1980s). The exterior of the building is a national landmark so the building itself is being maintained.
There isn’t much else in the Boston area in terms of triplexes – the old Cinema 57 downtown (Now Stuart Street Theatre) was a twin. Current tenants have only renovated one auditorium; the other is still empty, but possibly available.
Good news in the Philadelphia Inquirer article above. The group working to save the theater has raised enough money to do the first phase of renovation – restoration of the exterior and the office portion in front. Rental income from the offices will help raise the $5.5 million needed to complete phase II – the auditorium. They’re on the right track!
Very interesting interior views (their website is still up) – looks like the audirotium was redone in a new, but classical looking motif. Seating looks like modernist-style church pews. The place looks in great shape and could easily be reopened as a performing arts venue or church.
In a 2010 google street view, the building has been renovated – the exterior all cleaned up with the original red brick glowing brightly. The building is now the Forest County Potcowotomi Community Hall. The adjacent buildings and street/sidewalks are all currently being renovated.
As of 2010 it appears to be still standing as a furniture store. A long lobby leads to an auditorium way out back behind the neighboring retail buildings. Looks rather long and narrow – not much of a stage house on it – that may have been removed during the 1948 remodeling.
The Center Theatre has been demolished. A modern government office building now occupies the site.
The Empire was recently demolished and the Fall River Justice Center constructed on its site – looks like the new complex was finished very recently.
I get a redirect when I go to their website, but apparently the theatre is still open.
Still closed, but the facade and marquee look in good shape – very fancy marquee! Looks like the building is a converted church.
Interesting – the Ritz has a long lobby from the street and also, straight back, a long and narrow auditorium.
They have been holding a number of fundraidingevents, some of them at the theatre itself, haunted halloween and ghost hunting type events in fall of 2010.
2010 Google view shows the building still with its new clapboard siding in excellent shape, but no signage whatsoever on the building. I don’t know if it is merely dormant or used for something that puts out no signs. At any rate the building clearly looks maintained (maybe for rent). But the church listed above did not move in – they are located elsewhere in the city.
2010 Google street view: Still boarded up, but the entire exterior has been given a fresh coat of white paint and the marquee is intact.