I first heard about this yesterday in an Alert from the National Trust for Historical Preservation. Here is the letter I sent via their Web Responder: (at View link )
Mayor Rea,
How sad it is to compare the Tivoli, and by extension, Mishiwaka, to other vibrant restored theaters and downtowns.
I lived in Spokane during the Fundraisers and transition period. I went to the Fox when it was a “dollar” theater. I lived 2 blocks away, downtown, and did everythiing in my power to ensure that it was restored.
The simple act of changing it from a “dollar” tri-plex theater to a Performing Arts/ Symphony venue increased property values (and rents) in that entire neighborhood. Seedy bars became nice “clubs” or they failed.
The whole area began to benefit from the moment the “Eye” of the community was turned on saving the FOX.
How tragic that you are proposing destroying a similar Registered Historic Building rather than promoting its restoration as a Mishawaka Destination.
The Spokane FOX Theater experience, while not without its trials, has been an instrumental part of an overall plan of Urban Revival in what had become a rather seedy part of town. Because of the Vision of Citizens and a few strong Leaders, Spokane was able to preserve more of its history while providing a medium – sized venue for Performing Arts.
The kind of Political Capital and Tourist Appeal such restorations provide cannot be understated – not to mention the potential for State funding.
Historic theatres are such an important part of Indiana’s architectural heritage and, as one of the state’s oldest movie palaces, the Tivoli is one of our most valuable theatres.
An active theatre is a critical component of an economically and culturally vibrant downtown by generating traffic for nearby businesses and attracting new residents to the district. Many main street movie palaces throughout the country are being converted to performing arts facilities for their communities. I encourage you to look at some of these examples and, rather than demolishing the Tivoli, use it as the centerpiece for downtown revitalization.
Please visit the FOX Theater web links provided for ideas on how, and why, to save the Tivoli.
I first heard about this yesterday in an Alert from the National Trust for Historical Preservation. Here is the letter I sent via their Web Responder: (at View link )
Mayor Rea,
How sad it is to compare the Tivoli, and by extension, Mishiwaka, to other vibrant restored theaters and downtowns.
Compare Tivoil: /theaters/1795/
To Spokane WA’s FOX: /theaters/862
View link
View link
http://www.kxly.com/common/getStory.asp?id=31126
I lived in Spokane during the Fundraisers and transition period. I went to the Fox when it was a “dollar” theater. I lived 2 blocks away, downtown, and did everythiing in my power to ensure that it was restored.
The simple act of changing it from a “dollar” tri-plex theater to a Performing Arts/ Symphony venue increased property values (and rents) in that entire neighborhood. Seedy bars became nice “clubs” or they failed.
The whole area began to benefit from the moment the “Eye” of the community was turned on saving the FOX.
How tragic that you are proposing destroying a similar Registered Historic Building rather than promoting its restoration as a Mishawaka Destination.
The Spokane FOX Theater experience, while not without its trials, has been an instrumental part of an overall plan of Urban Revival in what had become a rather seedy part of town. Because of the Vision of Citizens and a few strong Leaders, Spokane was able to preserve more of its history while providing a medium – sized venue for Performing Arts.
The kind of Political Capital and Tourist Appeal such restorations provide cannot be understated – not to mention the potential for State funding.
http://www.kpbx.org/news/April03/foxproj.htm
View link
Historic theatres are such an important part of Indiana’s architectural heritage and, as one of the state’s oldest movie palaces, the Tivoli is one of our most valuable theatres.
An active theatre is a critical component of an economically and culturally vibrant downtown by generating traffic for nearby businesses and attracting new residents to the district. Many main street movie palaces throughout the country are being converted to performing arts facilities for their communities. I encourage you to look at some of these examples and, rather than demolishing the Tivoli, use it as the centerpiece for downtown revitalization.
Please visit the FOX Theater web links provided for ideas on how, and why, to save the Tivoli.
Sincerely,
Bryan Potratz
(Michigan City)