Neigh-bore: Are you on the GTC board? No. Your assumptions are faulty. Stop speculating. Let’s wait for court. You claim exciting news? I hear the theatre is closing! Care to comment?
How some reporters can get it wrong! Read the real court docs to see that GVI will prove its case at trial and win a significant judgement it is owed. Herald reporter James Fuller needs to review his legal procedures and editors at the paper need to place more emphasis on accurate titles. More appropriate title to the article might be, “GVI Lawsuit Continues…GTC Scrambles to find attorney good enough to represent them.” This case should have been settled months ago. We are willing, why aren’t they?
Paul Warshauer is worried about the renovation of the Wheaton Grand Theater.
The venue’s former manager said his plan to divide the space into two or three venues was dismissed by the Theater Board along with a plea to fix what he called dangerous conditions in the 80-year-old building on Hale Street.
For their part, Theater Board members said the theater is safe and are confident their plans will lead to a rebirth for the venue.
Warshauer, co-owner of Grande Venues Inc., aired his complaints at the Jan. 3 City Council meeting, saying he and his business partner, Mike Novelli, both live and work in Wheaton and have experience in the field. Further, he said he doesn’t understand why the Theater Board won’t take his suggestions seriously.
“We remain passionate and eager to implement a practical and functional theater restoration of the Wheaton Grand,” he said. “A plan that is in line with what we see as the norm in today’s restoration models.”
Warshauer said Grande Venues was hired in November 2004 by the Theater Board to perform programming services. He said his company provided those services, producing and presenting numerous programs at the theater.
According to Warshauer, the contract was terminated in April after he and Novelli repeatedly asked the Grand Theater Corp. to repair what Warshauer called “obvious dangerous public conditions in the building.” Warshauer said he made several attempts at suggestions of how to fix the problems, but he was ignored.
He and Novelli then filed a lawsuit seeking $300,000 in damages from the Theater Corp.
Theater board member Lou Margaglione said the board repeatedly asked Warshauer to see a piece of plaster that Warshauer said fell from the theater ceiling, but he never produced it.
Even so, Margaglione said the board took the time to have the theater recertified for safety, hiring Waukegan-based architect Steven Kolber to inspect the building in May.
“From below, other than areas deteriorated from water damage that has since been remedied, I saw no area that warranted any specific concerns for regular use of the theater for performance and tours,” Kolber wrote in a letter.
Ray Shepardson with Market Value Productions of Wheaton has been hired by the Grand Theater Corp. to restore the theater, develop an operating concept and start up theater operations. He plans to restore the building so it houses one large theater with about 800 seats.
Warshauer said he doesn’t think the plan will work because of the size of the community.
Shepardson said 800 seats is a good amount to be able to offer quality attractions, and if there were fewer seats, admission would be more expensive.
“I’m really confident and extremely comfortable with (the plan),” he said. “It’s probably the best market I’ve ever been in for world-class attractions and entertainment programming.”
Although I did not approve or even know about the last two posts, I am grateful. They are probably generated because of negative material about me and my company posted earlier on this site. Grande Venues, Inc. has always wanted to help the Post Theatre and many others. We still remained posied to help, if asked to do so.
Brian: The reporter for the Crane’s piece ambushed us all. The title of the article tips us off as to his intent: “Theatre Debacles…” It’s not a bad photo of me though… Any word on the reopening of the Portage? I wonder if Dennis is OK with the city anc the PPA?
Lifes too short, as usual you go to far. Do not speak for all those who have worked with Mike Novelli and me on restoration. I am glad tdhat you will finally be quiet and let us do our work. Melders is an adult and so are the people of Carbondale. Let THEM decide on what they want and not you! Goodbye!
Thank you. We will do our best. Our staff will be down in Carbondale with a crew within the month! If you would like to join our “tour” call the office. (630) 480-3345.
Mr. Crowley is the voice of reason. Thank you. We have always been available to discuss theatres with those who do not hide in anonimity or have a personal ax to grind. Our office is in Wheaton and we will share our projects there to those who make an appointment. Thanks.
Where is YOUR proposal? Where are YOUR architects and engineers? We have them and presented a plan to this board. It WAS supported with logic, plans and pro formas. YOU weren’t there so keep quiet already. I get so tired of you, posting negative messages over this site in different areas trying to stir up trouble. On numerous occasions we have invited you and others to come to our office and review our projects and successes but you seem to be happy hollaring from the grandstands without getting on the field. Well, too bad. We move forward and you will lose your voice. The latest Grand Theatre news supports our theory that there is NO leadership! See? As usual the people at the top of the Wheaton Board do not care for contracts, laws or common decency. Sad that the two nice ladies who have been in the Travel Agency for many years have been “booted.” See what happens when you argue, ask for repairs or don’t agree with that board? At least they will fight like we are doing now. The Travel people have been thrre for years and had asked for a sink, wiring, separate meters, and some tenant attention…all of this for many YEARS, not months. Ron Richardson, Chuck Tuma and others routinely ignored them! Who is next to be booted? The barbers?? I guarantee they won’t go without a BIG fight. How do these people intend on runnign a million dollar theatre if they can’t manage three simple tenants without getting negative headlines? Enough already: It is time for a BIG change there, folks.
As usual, Life’s Too Short is misinformed. We do not share our successes on line. Sad that this person in Wheaton pollutes all the sites where we try and do good things. The people of Carbondale will see results if we get involved. Not all of the information is on these silly postings. Intelligent people go elsewhere. Give it a rest.
That you, Mr. Fortini: You are correct that the big corporations can earn tax credits, obtain financial incentives from the city because they are big and intent on spending big capital. Small developers like our company cannot compete especially in neighborhood markets. When we had the Portage we had a financial plan that worked: rent theatre space to four different tenants. We had agreements with three, the PPA license in process, an architect on hand, a small staff, etc. Then the city told us about the generator required to obtain a PPA license. The landlord didn’t want to pay so we sublet the place to a church. They started a remodel without a permit… shut down altogether. This is all included above but we did TRY to make the theatre functional while keeping some architectural elements. I think our plan could fly if someone with enough capital would join the project. We are happy to share those plans with any qualified firm or individual but as you can tell there are gadflys that try to undermine all our work. Still, we persevere. Mr. Fortini or others, please call us if you want to discuss the Portage. (630) 480-3345. Thank you.
This is sad. You are blind, deluded or just plain malicious. No more to be said. You don’t know me so do not make assumptions about my character and I won’t attack you personally. This site is for theatre business and not for personal attacks.Of your six statements five are lies or contain falsehoods. Perhaps you just don’t know.
The Jim Fuller article in today’s Daily Herald newspaper is great! It shows GVIs dedication and passion, not greed! Didn’t you read it? Didn’t you see the lies? Steve Rathje is the liar! Over beer and many tears he tolds us to help him “take it back,” like he had done once before when he fired an entire board of directors! I liked the surgical metaphors. It is a disgusting mess. We didn’t create it. It happened over many years. We did programming that many people of all ages liked then asked that the buildin be made “safe.” You are the fools! Look to the future; not single theatres but multiples. The $25K gain in a state grant can be repaid and a new plan put in place. Open you eyes! The Grand Theatre Corporation has done nothing since we left! Where is all the money they are trying to raise? Where are the public hearings? The annual meeting was attended by 15 people in a bunker like environment. They are paranoid as they can’t produce! Didn’t you read that even the board of the Grand Theatre doesn’t know how they get elected? Can you say “Where are the bylaws?” Talk about dysfunctional! You,“Cosmogirl, KZA, Lifestooshort,and Neighbor” and many others should start asking the one tough question: are we on a losing team? If you answer yes, join us!
Slander, lies and plain nastiness. What do you care? You are not in the movie business. Again you do not know what you are talking about. The historic Lawford Theatre, right now (October 2005) is being restored as we speak! Not by YOU big mouth, but by hard working people who love theatres. New sound, a new lamp house, new carpet, more paint. Stay tuned. Some of us actually are cretive in trying to open movie theatres. Stay away from our sites, please? Get your facts straight first. The theatre is not for sale. Do not spread lies. We never got a loan from that city. There is no $15,000 loan. Where do you get that stuff? You must be insane. There ought to be more credibility on these sites for fact checking. This goes beyond free speech. You want to start costing kids jobs by your lies? Keep it up.
Wow, lookie: two really old articles posted here without more details…for what purpose?? What axe are you still trying to grind? Give it up and find a day job. You will notice that no one has done anything since we left. At least we tried, pal. Have you done anything??? For the record…again. The church group who was subletting from us did the repairs and construction and had the cease and desist order, not us. Get yoru facts straight.
Cons? Oh this is too good to pass up! No the theatre will not pay for itself! Do not invoke “children.” Most of us know who you are. You have the nerve to write this! Folks: The last post comes from “Chris Major,” not his real name, who is a liar and a convicted felon. He was arrested at the theatre and thrown in jail for more than child support! GVI tried to open the Lawford and run it but poor management drove it deeper in debt. We did not walk away. Major walked away from his lease and GVI purchased the theatre under false conditions. Major made inside deals to give projector bulbs to his croneys! Police called in. The theatre is now in the hands of a good man who will do good things with it. HE has the money to fix it up. Major you were a liar then and a liar now. Stay in Nashville and let the new operator do his job!
Uncle Paul says “Yawn.” $8 million for the restoration “masterpiece?” I don’t care what kind of resume he has or HAD. This is 2005. Money is tighter. Now what about the $8 million they want to spend on the Grand Theatre? It is nuts! A community could construct a brand new theatre for that amount! Talk about cost per square foot! No one doubts that Ray has a colorful resume and has done great work in the past. Many of us doubt whether this type of budget is practical for this theatre in this town and at this time. No one has discussed THREE theatres at all here. No one wanst to see the architects designs. Now if someone will focus on that suggestion, the theatre will not end up like the DuPage! By the way I have not heard anything about the fundraising efforts at the theatre…Anyone?
You still at it? Life and Prowler? You do not know what you are talking about. Surely you must have more important things to do than “Discuss Warshauer”. You pull and distort your “assumptions” and the truth for your own agenda. Move on… I am so glad people are watching me. Did you see the Murder Mysteries I did in Wheaton and Naperville (sold out closing night)? Did you see my work at local libraries with kids and parents? Did you see my work at an inner city school when I directed Oklahoma to sold out crowds? Did you see my pirate camp? My work with Cub Scouts? I do not have to tell you or justify all the good things I do but I do cop to those where I can make a difference. This is the UPTOWN Theatre site. Let’s discuss the THEATRE! Let the next comments be forward looking. Yes I stand by by assertion that it is nearly impossible to tear the Uptown down; protected on Federal state and local level. on everybody;s radar! Let’s discuss that set of facts…
Thank you, Mr. Elliott. I agree. No more bickering. Back to the Uptown: I would like to compliment the young artist who did a great job on the calendar found on the Friends of the Uptown website. It is called “Faces of the Uptown” and was originally commissioned by me. The photgrapher is Chris Jackson. At the time he was a student at the Art Institute and came to display his work on the walls of the UTCA. Other students also displayed good photos of the theatre. Can there be some sort of fundraiser for the “Friends” where people submit original photos of the Uptown Theatre?
Dear Life’s: How silly you appear. “Threats to me? Your family pride? Get a gym membership?” Sad for you. I will not bring a lawsuit against you. How bizarre of you to think that I care what you say. I will not address anything else to you until you grow up. Now then, to theatre business: There are thousands of us who will do anything to save the Uptown Theatre. Many of us were involved trying to do something REAL to save it. Serving on the UTCA board was an amazing gift for me. I worked hard like all the board members. You were not on it. You do not know how hard all of us worked to save the theatre. The cards were stacked against the theatre after 9/11. Carol, Paul K., Mary Claire, Jay, Marty, and many others worked hard on the UTCA to try to stem the loss of money but alas. No one had the magic formula. No one does even today. The project needs a new focus now and no one appears willing to step forward. Will you? You clearly have no time, money, or political clout. So who can help lead this project? It is so complex, so riddled with politics and financial peril that perhaps it will take the entire “village” (The City of Chicago’s best entertainment and business folks) to save it. One think is for sure: It will never be knocked down. So let’s try and focus on the THEATRE and not on petty personal attacks.
Neigh-bore: Are you on the GTC board? No. Your assumptions are faulty. Stop speculating. Let’s wait for court. You claim exciting news? I hear the theatre is closing! Care to comment?
Your facts are wrong. Period. The truth will out. You will see. End of message.
How some reporters can get it wrong! Read the real court docs to see that GVI will prove its case at trial and win a significant judgement it is owed. Herald reporter James Fuller needs to review his legal procedures and editors at the paper need to place more emphasis on accurate titles. More appropriate title to the article might be, “GVI Lawsuit Continues…GTC Scrambles to find attorney good enough to represent them.” This case should have been settled months ago. We are willing, why aren’t they?
From the Wheaton Leader:
Former theater chief
questions renovations
By Courtney Cavanaugh
Staff writer
Paul Warshauer is worried about the renovation of the Wheaton Grand Theater.
The venue’s former manager said his plan to divide the space into two or three venues was dismissed by the Theater Board along with a plea to fix what he called dangerous conditions in the 80-year-old building on Hale Street.
For their part, Theater Board members said the theater is safe and are confident their plans will lead to a rebirth for the venue.
Warshauer, co-owner of Grande Venues Inc., aired his complaints at the Jan. 3 City Council meeting, saying he and his business partner, Mike Novelli, both live and work in Wheaton and have experience in the field. Further, he said he doesn’t understand why the Theater Board won’t take his suggestions seriously.
“We remain passionate and eager to implement a practical and functional theater restoration of the Wheaton Grand,” he said. “A plan that is in line with what we see as the norm in today’s restoration models.”
Warshauer said Grande Venues was hired in November 2004 by the Theater Board to perform programming services. He said his company provided those services, producing and presenting numerous programs at the theater.
According to Warshauer, the contract was terminated in April after he and Novelli repeatedly asked the Grand Theater Corp. to repair what Warshauer called “obvious dangerous public conditions in the building.” Warshauer said he made several attempts at suggestions of how to fix the problems, but he was ignored.
He and Novelli then filed a lawsuit seeking $300,000 in damages from the Theater Corp.
Theater board member Lou Margaglione said the board repeatedly asked Warshauer to see a piece of plaster that Warshauer said fell from the theater ceiling, but he never produced it.
Even so, Margaglione said the board took the time to have the theater recertified for safety, hiring Waukegan-based architect Steven Kolber to inspect the building in May.
“From below, other than areas deteriorated from water damage that has since been remedied, I saw no area that warranted any specific concerns for regular use of the theater for performance and tours,” Kolber wrote in a letter.
Ray Shepardson with Market Value Productions of Wheaton has been hired by the Grand Theater Corp. to restore the theater, develop an operating concept and start up theater operations. He plans to restore the building so it houses one large theater with about 800 seats.
Warshauer said he doesn’t think the plan will work because of the size of the community.
Shepardson said 800 seats is a good amount to be able to offer quality attractions, and if there were fewer seats, admission would be more expensive.
“I’m really confident and extremely comfortable with (the plan),” he said. “It’s probably the best market I’ve ever been in for world-class attractions and entertainment programming.”
View link
Any idea of what is happening in this great theatre?
Although I did not approve or even know about the last two posts, I am grateful. They are probably generated because of negative material about me and my company posted earlier on this site. Grande Venues, Inc. has always wanted to help the Post Theatre and many others. We still remained posied to help, if asked to do so.
Brian: The reporter for the Crane’s piece ambushed us all. The title of the article tips us off as to his intent: “Theatre Debacles…” It’s not a bad photo of me though… Any word on the reopening of the Portage? I wonder if Dennis is OK with the city anc the PPA?
FYI: Dennis W. was the wonderful manager at the Gateway Theatre.
Lifes too short, as usual you go to far. Do not speak for all those who have worked with Mike Novelli and me on restoration. I am glad tdhat you will finally be quiet and let us do our work. Melders is an adult and so are the people of Carbondale. Let THEM decide on what they want and not you! Goodbye!
Thank you. We will do our best. Our staff will be down in Carbondale with a crew within the month! If you would like to join our “tour” call the office. (630) 480-3345.
Mr. Crowley is the voice of reason. Thank you. We have always been available to discuss theatres with those who do not hide in anonimity or have a personal ax to grind. Our office is in Wheaton and we will share our projects there to those who make an appointment. Thanks.
Where is YOUR proposal? Where are YOUR architects and engineers? We have them and presented a plan to this board. It WAS supported with logic, plans and pro formas. YOU weren’t there so keep quiet already. I get so tired of you, posting negative messages over this site in different areas trying to stir up trouble. On numerous occasions we have invited you and others to come to our office and review our projects and successes but you seem to be happy hollaring from the grandstands without getting on the field. Well, too bad. We move forward and you will lose your voice. The latest Grand Theatre news supports our theory that there is NO leadership! See? As usual the people at the top of the Wheaton Board do not care for contracts, laws or common decency. Sad that the two nice ladies who have been in the Travel Agency for many years have been “booted.” See what happens when you argue, ask for repairs or don’t agree with that board? At least they will fight like we are doing now. The Travel people have been thrre for years and had asked for a sink, wiring, separate meters, and some tenant attention…all of this for many YEARS, not months. Ron Richardson, Chuck Tuma and others routinely ignored them! Who is next to be booted? The barbers?? I guarantee they won’t go without a BIG fight. How do these people intend on runnign a million dollar theatre if they can’t manage three simple tenants without getting negative headlines? Enough already: It is time for a BIG change there, folks.
As usual, Life’s Too Short is misinformed. We do not share our successes on line. Sad that this person in Wheaton pollutes all the sites where we try and do good things. The people of Carbondale will see results if we get involved. Not all of the information is on these silly postings. Intelligent people go elsewhere. Give it a rest.
That you, Mr. Fortini: You are correct that the big corporations can earn tax credits, obtain financial incentives from the city because they are big and intent on spending big capital. Small developers like our company cannot compete especially in neighborhood markets. When we had the Portage we had a financial plan that worked: rent theatre space to four different tenants. We had agreements with three, the PPA license in process, an architect on hand, a small staff, etc. Then the city told us about the generator required to obtain a PPA license. The landlord didn’t want to pay so we sublet the place to a church. They started a remodel without a permit… shut down altogether. This is all included above but we did TRY to make the theatre functional while keeping some architectural elements. I think our plan could fly if someone with enough capital would join the project. We are happy to share those plans with any qualified firm or individual but as you can tell there are gadflys that try to undermine all our work. Still, we persevere. Mr. Fortini or others, please call us if you want to discuss the Portage. (630) 480-3345. Thank you.
This is sad. You are blind, deluded or just plain malicious. No more to be said. You don’t know me so do not make assumptions about my character and I won’t attack you personally. This site is for theatre business and not for personal attacks.Of your six statements five are lies or contain falsehoods. Perhaps you just don’t know.
The Jim Fuller article in today’s Daily Herald newspaper is great! It shows GVIs dedication and passion, not greed! Didn’t you read it? Didn’t you see the lies? Steve Rathje is the liar! Over beer and many tears he tolds us to help him “take it back,” like he had done once before when he fired an entire board of directors! I liked the surgical metaphors. It is a disgusting mess. We didn’t create it. It happened over many years. We did programming that many people of all ages liked then asked that the buildin be made “safe.” You are the fools! Look to the future; not single theatres but multiples. The $25K gain in a state grant can be repaid and a new plan put in place. Open you eyes! The Grand Theatre Corporation has done nothing since we left! Where is all the money they are trying to raise? Where are the public hearings? The annual meeting was attended by 15 people in a bunker like environment. They are paranoid as they can’t produce! Didn’t you read that even the board of the Grand Theatre doesn’t know how they get elected? Can you say “Where are the bylaws?” Talk about dysfunctional! You,“Cosmogirl, KZA, Lifestooshort,and Neighbor” and many others should start asking the one tough question: are we on a losing team? If you answer yes, join us!
Finally a well balanced newspaper story!
Slander, lies and plain nastiness. What do you care? You are not in the movie business. Again you do not know what you are talking about. The historic Lawford Theatre, right now (October 2005) is being restored as we speak! Not by YOU big mouth, but by hard working people who love theatres. New sound, a new lamp house, new carpet, more paint. Stay tuned. Some of us actually are cretive in trying to open movie theatres. Stay away from our sites, please? Get your facts straight first. The theatre is not for sale. Do not spread lies. We never got a loan from that city. There is no $15,000 loan. Where do you get that stuff? You must be insane. There ought to be more credibility on these sites for fact checking. This goes beyond free speech. You want to start costing kids jobs by your lies? Keep it up.
Wow, lookie: two really old articles posted here without more details…for what purpose?? What axe are you still trying to grind? Give it up and find a day job. You will notice that no one has done anything since we left. At least we tried, pal. Have you done anything??? For the record…again. The church group who was subletting from us did the repairs and construction and had the cease and desist order, not us. Get yoru facts straight.
Cons? Oh this is too good to pass up! No the theatre will not pay for itself! Do not invoke “children.” Most of us know who you are. You have the nerve to write this! Folks: The last post comes from “Chris Major,” not his real name, who is a liar and a convicted felon. He was arrested at the theatre and thrown in jail for more than child support! GVI tried to open the Lawford and run it but poor management drove it deeper in debt. We did not walk away. Major walked away from his lease and GVI purchased the theatre under false conditions. Major made inside deals to give projector bulbs to his croneys! Police called in. The theatre is now in the hands of a good man who will do good things with it. HE has the money to fix it up. Major you were a liar then and a liar now. Stay in Nashville and let the new operator do his job!
Uncle Paul says “Yawn.” $8 million for the restoration “masterpiece?” I don’t care what kind of resume he has or HAD. This is 2005. Money is tighter. Now what about the $8 million they want to spend on the Grand Theatre? It is nuts! A community could construct a brand new theatre for that amount! Talk about cost per square foot! No one doubts that Ray has a colorful resume and has done great work in the past. Many of us doubt whether this type of budget is practical for this theatre in this town and at this time. No one has discussed THREE theatres at all here. No one wanst to see the architects designs. Now if someone will focus on that suggestion, the theatre will not end up like the DuPage! By the way I have not heard anything about the fundraising efforts at the theatre…Anyone?
You still at it? Life and Prowler? You do not know what you are talking about. Surely you must have more important things to do than “Discuss Warshauer”. You pull and distort your “assumptions” and the truth for your own agenda. Move on… I am so glad people are watching me. Did you see the Murder Mysteries I did in Wheaton and Naperville (sold out closing night)? Did you see my work at local libraries with kids and parents? Did you see my work at an inner city school when I directed Oklahoma to sold out crowds? Did you see my pirate camp? My work with Cub Scouts? I do not have to tell you or justify all the good things I do but I do cop to those where I can make a difference. This is the UPTOWN Theatre site. Let’s discuss the THEATRE! Let the next comments be forward looking. Yes I stand by by assertion that it is nearly impossible to tear the Uptown down; protected on Federal state and local level. on everybody;s radar! Let’s discuss that set of facts…
Thank you, Mr. Elliott. I agree. No more bickering. Back to the Uptown: I would like to compliment the young artist who did a great job on the calendar found on the Friends of the Uptown website. It is called “Faces of the Uptown” and was originally commissioned by me. The photgrapher is Chris Jackson. At the time he was a student at the Art Institute and came to display his work on the walls of the UTCA. Other students also displayed good photos of the theatre. Can there be some sort of fundraiser for the “Friends” where people submit original photos of the Uptown Theatre?
Dear Life’s: How silly you appear. “Threats to me? Your family pride? Get a gym membership?” Sad for you. I will not bring a lawsuit against you. How bizarre of you to think that I care what you say. I will not address anything else to you until you grow up. Now then, to theatre business: There are thousands of us who will do anything to save the Uptown Theatre. Many of us were involved trying to do something REAL to save it. Serving on the UTCA board was an amazing gift for me. I worked hard like all the board members. You were not on it. You do not know how hard all of us worked to save the theatre. The cards were stacked against the theatre after 9/11. Carol, Paul K., Mary Claire, Jay, Marty, and many others worked hard on the UTCA to try to stem the loss of money but alas. No one had the magic formula. No one does even today. The project needs a new focus now and no one appears willing to step forward. Will you? You clearly have no time, money, or political clout. So who can help lead this project? It is so complex, so riddled with politics and financial peril that perhaps it will take the entire “village” (The City of Chicago’s best entertainment and business folks) to save it. One think is for sure: It will never be knocked down. So let’s try and focus on the THEATRE and not on petty personal attacks.