Broadway Theatre
512 Broadway Street,
Buffalo,
NY
14204
512 Broadway Street,
Buffalo,
NY
14204
5 people
favorited this theater
Showing 51 - 65 of 65 comments
And I wonder who was able to enter this theatre/church to get these unbelievable photos now that it has been abandoned?
Lost Memory: These interior photos are really something as it’s the first time I have ever seen any interior photos, but have known about this former theatre in Buffalo for quite awhile thanks to CT. This theatre needs to be restored. I have forwarded the photo site to a Buffalo friend of mine to get his thoughts. And I can’t help but wonder why the church didn’t take better TLC when they had possession of it!
There are some really great pictures of the interior of this theatre on the site above. I would have loved to see this theatre when its marquee was intact.
The next time I’m in Buffalo and near Broadway I plan to check out this former theatre. I was near Broadway the other night enroute to the Shea’s to see Mamma Mia and thought about going then, but time didn’t allow for that theatre side trip! The intricate facade is still there though the marquee is long gone. BTW, I highly recommend seeing Mamma Mia as it is a wonderful musical storyline set to the music of Abba. And if you want to see and read about one of the very talented actors who plays “Sam Carmichael” go to www.seanallankrill.com
The terra cotta facade still appears to be in remarkable condition considering the age of the building. Unfortunately I can’t say the same for the rest of the building judging from recent photos I’ve seen. A notice to vacate the premises was posted by the Buffalo buildings department over a year ago against the most recent owners of record (God’s Holy Temple). Although the building is supposed to be boarded up and secured, a side door was open. Bulldozers are in the area demolishing the neighboring abandoned Buffalo Forge site. Could the Broadway theatre be next? It’s highly unlikely, given the urban blight in the surrounding area, that any white knight will
appear on the horizon in time to rescue the theatre from ultimate demolition.
The theatre does have a stage. I can’t say if it was original, but it does have a stage at this point in time. Records inside show attendance lists for a Muhammed Temple of Islam dated 1969 and 1970. There are 2 pianos on the main floor, the entry way has been painted purple, some seats left, in bad shape of course. No noticable grafitti. The sign outside was for the Joy Temple. Photos coming at http://www.institutionalgreen.com in the next few days.
I am just finishing up the order of pictures then it will be off to the publisher. I will leave a notice here on the web site when it comes out. Thank you for your interest
When will your book be coming out?
In addition to true theater history, my book will reveal how and why Michael Shea never owned or built a “Sheas” Theater with many true stories and photos to be included
Yes Bway I am the son of Bill Basil one of the four Basil Bros. who owned Motion picture theaters. I was born 1929 and into the theater business most of my life.
I can’t wait for that book to be published!
The Broadway is located on Buffalo’s east side in the ‘war zone’ of abandoned and derelict buildings, as well as weed strewn vacant lots.
The last time I was past the theatre it looked abandoned with graffiti adorning the walls. I have no idea what the interior must be like. Quite probably anything of value has long since been removed. Given the location I’m quite sure security is a problem.
John, are you a relative of the “Basils” of this theater, or is this just a cooincidence?
Style – Classic Function – motion pictures Seats – 942 Chain Basil Theaters Inc. (which consisted of 4 brothers)
The Broadway Theater by 1932 was part of the chain of Basil Theaters, Inc. It was remodeled and seating was 942.
Yes, a very impressive front to this day. I managed theaters in London, England for Associated British Cinemas and also in the United States for Dipson and Basil (my familys firm). For questions I may be reached here or at 716-834-0348
My book True Theater History should be released within a year and will cover the Nationwide tragedy of “Illegal Schemes” against theater owners.
Bryan: When I clicked on the word ‘here’ I found the site entitled Buffalo’s Forgotten Theaters. Thank you!
A current status on this theater for anyone that knows would also be appreciated.