It is correct that the Squirrel Hill Theater had 6 auditoriums when it closed. However, I think one of the screens may not have been in use, but there were/are in fact 6 auditoriums. In the late 1990s (I think 1997) the theater was remodeled. It expanded further down the street and increased from 2 to 6 screens. I think it was ultimately a mistake to not include stadium seating in the upgrade, in addition to extremely small new auditoriums. This became apparent when the new Loews (now AMC) Waterfront Theater opened not to far away. Perhaps a more extensive upgrade was not financially viable.
It should also be noted that (from what I have heard in the community) the theater was going to have to close anyway due to a redevelopment effort at the corner of Murray Ave and Forward Ave, where a hotel, living space, and retail is going to (eventually) be added. I’m not sure why there is a preservation effort underway when the space where the theater sits is scheduled to be part of the redevelopment effort.
It is correct that the Squirrel Hill Theater had 6 auditoriums when it closed. However, I think one of the screens may not have been in use, but there were/are in fact 6 auditoriums. In the late 1990s (I think 1997) the theater was remodeled. It expanded further down the street and increased from 2 to 6 screens. I think it was ultimately a mistake to not include stadium seating in the upgrade, in addition to extremely small new auditoriums. This became apparent when the new Loews (now AMC) Waterfront Theater opened not to far away. Perhaps a more extensive upgrade was not financially viable.
It should also be noted that (from what I have heard in the community) the theater was going to have to close anyway due to a redevelopment effort at the corner of Murray Ave and Forward Ave, where a hotel, living space, and retail is going to (eventually) be added. I’m not sure why there is a preservation effort underway when the space where the theater sits is scheduled to be part of the redevelopment effort.