The “facadectomy” that was done on the building left nothing recognizable to suggest that it was formerly a theater. On the lower level are public restrooms and the upper floor has storage rooms for the Chamber of Commerce.
This theater was originally known as the Davison. It has been extensively remodeled over the years, that last one being completed in 2007. Here is a picture of the theater from 1912. Click on the image to enlarge.
We were by this theater today, enjoying a meal at our favorite Filipino restaurant which is in the same mall. We noticed some progress being made on the outside of the theater, even though there is still construction fencing around it. There are colored lights inside and the outside has stylized changes made to its facade. The poster boxes are in place and look to have been refurbished. More than likely will be a Bollywood venue, given the name of the contractor working on it.
Given the across the board success of “Slumdog Millionaire”, there might be hope for the old place after all. It could draw folks in who normally wouldn’t consider Indian films.
In the 40s and 50s,The Loop was also a place for bus travelers who were making connections to catch up on the news and spend a few minutes relaxing. It was located around the corner from the Trailways bus station, which can be seen in the 1988 movie “Red Heat” Before the new Greyhound station was built, their buses used a storefront across State street from the Loop Theater, near the State Lake theater. So, it was just a quick dash across the street to catch a newsreel.
That new multiplex might be a time in coming, given the current national economic problems. Currently, there is no construction activity at that site. The Eastgate is actually a very nice theater, parking is easy and plentiful, staff always cordial and helpful, and the auditoriums comfortable.
The new theater will actually be the third one to be built in this area. The current Eastgate replaced a smaller complex that was in the East Towne Mall itself.
Because this theater sits on the bank of the Baraboo River, it sustntined heavy flood damage in June. It is currently closed, hopefully to reopen soon.
Today the sign reads “Open soon.” Another indication that the theater will never show a film again. Nova’s 4-plex in nearby Whitewater, Wisconsin is still open, but also for sale. Never a good sign.
Last night, on the CBS crime program “Criminal Minds,” the Alex was featured in one segment. The show was supposed to be taking place in Chula Vista, yet the teen girls in it had gone to this movie theater, which was shown in a couple of shots.
Pretty ambitious to travel 135 miles to Glendale just to see a movie and meet some boys.
This theater is currently being demolished to provide parking for the old hotel next door which is being renovated. Asbestos abatement has held up the demolition for a while.
The lobby of this closed theater is currently being used as a hiring center for the new Walmart Supercenter being erected across the expressway. Nothing else going on with it as far as I can see.
When I was in the US Army in 1964, while on leave, I visited a former barracks mate who lived in Batavia. He and his father owned the old Batavia theater, which they were using as living quarters and business space. At that time there was nothing on the exterior to indicate that it had been a theater at one time, but the lobby and auditorium were still in place.
According to the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce, this theater did indeed go by the name of Point until the early 1990s. Here’s a little more detail about its early years and restoration.
“Like most communities, many professional entertainment and touring show groups played Mineral Point, along with local theatrical productions. Many of these productions were held at local public halls and probably at the Opera Hall in the old courthouse. As early as 1889, the local newspapers began urging the City of Mineral Point to build a new opera house. There were finally successful when an Opera House was included in the plans for the new Municipal Building. In February 1915, the town dedicated the new Opera House in the the new City Hall (137 High Street). The new Opera House contained boxes holding twenty seats, and a main floor and balcony which seated 703. A stage and screen, protected by an asbestos curtain, extended across the back of the building. It had steam heat and electric lights. In 1963, residents restored the interior of the building and repaired the interior filigree detailing with original molds found in Milwaukee by Robert Neal. In 1988, the city began planning restoration of the theater.”
Sal De Grazia was a neighbor of mine and it broke his heart that he couldn’t keep the place open. Economics were against him and the place declined. I would take my family there from time to time but the place was just too run-down and dreary.
The last film shown there was in 1985, the potboiler REMO WILLIAMS. The title remained on the marquee for months afterwards.
We are all humans, and therefore capable of deep emotion. Nothing to be ashamed about with that. As for myself, I bawled during “Bang the Drum Slowly” when the Robert DeNiro character was dying but continued bravely playing with his team.
That picture is of the downtown Bismarck on Randolph St, Which is now known as the Cadillac Palace.
The “facadectomy” that was done on the building left nothing recognizable to suggest that it was formerly a theater. On the lower level are public restrooms and the upper floor has storage rooms for the Chamber of Commerce.
This theater was originally known as the Davison. It has been extensively remodeled over the years, that last one being completed in 2007. Here is a picture of the theater from 1912. Click on the image to enlarge.
View link
OK, David. Here ya go: View link
Recent view. http://www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc34425.php
This is welcome news! The plaza has a number of ethnic restaurants for a pre or post-show meal.and a great deal of parking.
So if you want to sample Bollywood movies and other south Asian films, it would be the place to go. I know I’ll be there.
We were by this theater today, enjoying a meal at our favorite Filipino restaurant which is in the same mall. We noticed some progress being made on the outside of the theater, even though there is still construction fencing around it. There are colored lights inside and the outside has stylized changes made to its facade. The poster boxes are in place and look to have been refurbished. More than likely will be a Bollywood venue, given the name of the contractor working on it.
Given the across the board success of “Slumdog Millionaire”, there might be hope for the old place after all. It could draw folks in who normally wouldn’t consider Indian films.
Status should be changed to closed/demolished.
This theater is being torn down and will be replaced by a family buffet restaurant. http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/1485689.html
In the 40s and 50s,The Loop was also a place for bus travelers who were making connections to catch up on the news and spend a few minutes relaxing. It was located around the corner from the Trailways bus station, which can be seen in the 1988 movie “Red Heat” Before the new Greyhound station was built, their buses used a storefront across State street from the Loop Theater, near the State Lake theater. So, it was just a quick dash across the street to catch a newsreel.
That new multiplex might be a time in coming, given the current national economic problems. Currently, there is no construction activity at that site. The Eastgate is actually a very nice theater, parking is easy and plentiful, staff always cordial and helpful, and the auditoriums comfortable.
The new theater will actually be the third one to be built in this area. The current Eastgate replaced a smaller complex that was in the East Towne Mall itself.
Today’s Wisconsin State Journal has a story about how Kerasotes Theaters will not be reopening this theater.
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/317574
The local community would like to see a movie theater in their town, so another operator is being sought.
Because this theater sits on the bank of the Baraboo River, it sustntined heavy flood damage in June. It is currently closed, hopefully to reopen soon.
This theater has reopened as a live music venue according to the Nova Cinemas website.
Today the sign reads “Open soon.” Another indication that the theater will never show a film again. Nova’s 4-plex in nearby Whitewater, Wisconsin is still open, but also for sale. Never a good sign.
Last night, on the CBS crime program “Criminal Minds,” the Alex was featured in one segment. The show was supposed to be taking place in Chula Vista, yet the teen girls in it had gone to this movie theater, which was shown in a couple of shots.
Pretty ambitious to travel 135 miles to Glendale just to see a movie and meet some boys.
This theater is currently being demolished to provide parking for the old hotel next door which is being renovated. Asbestos abatement has held up the demolition for a while.
The lobby of this closed theater is currently being used as a hiring center for the new Walmart Supercenter being erected across the expressway. Nothing else going on with it as far as I can see.
When I was in the US Army in 1964, while on leave, I visited a former barracks mate who lived in Batavia. He and his father owned the old Batavia theater, which they were using as living quarters and business space. At that time there was nothing on the exterior to indicate that it had been a theater at one time, but the lobby and auditorium were still in place.
This theater should now be listed as closed. Marcus has now opened the new 16 screen Majestic nearby.
This theater should now be listed as closed. Marcus has now opened the nearby new 16 screen Majestic theate.
According to the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce, this theater did indeed go by the name of Point until the early 1990s. Here’s a little more detail about its early years and restoration.
“Like most communities, many professional entertainment and touring show groups played Mineral Point, along with local theatrical productions. Many of these productions were held at local public halls and probably at the Opera Hall in the old courthouse. As early as 1889, the local newspapers began urging the City of Mineral Point to build a new opera house. There were finally successful when an Opera House was included in the plans for the new Municipal Building. In February 1915, the town dedicated the new Opera House in the the new City Hall (137 High Street). The new Opera House contained boxes holding twenty seats, and a main floor and balcony which seated 703. A stage and screen, protected by an asbestos curtain, extended across the back of the building. It had steam heat and electric lights. In 1963, residents restored the interior of the building and repaired the interior filigree detailing with original molds found in Milwaukee by Robert Neal. In 1988, the city began planning restoration of the theater.”
This place became an antique mall after it closed, then was converted to a Chinese restaurant 9 years ago.
Sorry, Sal died back in the 90’s from an intestinal blockage. Nice guy, shame he went so young.
Sal De Grazia was a neighbor of mine and it broke his heart that he couldn’t keep the place open. Economics were against him and the place declined. I would take my family there from time to time but the place was just too run-down and dreary.
The last film shown there was in 1985, the potboiler REMO WILLIAMS. The title remained on the marquee for months afterwards.
We are all humans, and therefore capable of deep emotion. Nothing to be ashamed about with that. As for myself, I bawled during “Bang the Drum Slowly” when the Robert DeNiro character was dying but continued bravely playing with his team.