Holly Theatre

Update this past week, the UofO Ashland board has voted against JPR owning theatres and says it should only own radio stations. This action could put an end this next week (when the Truss is finished being repaired) to all restoration efforts by JPR to the theatre. The nonprofit I work for had considered purchasing the Holly before JPR did; but was told by the city that a parking solution to about 300 vehicles would need to be overcame. I think the city exempted JPR from the 300 parking space need (and why did they tell us we HAD to have the 300 spaces?). If the board’s actions hold, the Holly may again be up for sale; and we will again consider purchasing it (if parking and other things could be resolved). We use the same contractor that did the front of the Holly in recent months; so picking up steam again would not take long. Don Kirk – Medford/Redding

While I applaud Mr. Kirk’s optimism about the Holly, I do not share it. Ron Kramer, my oldest brother, did not resign, he was terminated by SOU nominally on the basis that they were concerned about his dual roles as Director of JPR Radio and the JPRF, the Foundation that purchased and was overseeing the restoration of the Holly. This despite the fact that his contract with SOU specifically required him to serve in those dual roles and had required that for nearly two decades. At this writing there is little expectation that the SOU-JPR mediation will end in anything that assures the continued restoration of the Holly Theatre by anything connected to JPR and will more likely plunge JPRF into bankruptcy and the courts. I serve(d) as the restoration designer of the Holly Theatre (as I did for the Cascade, in Redding, CA) and can tell you first hand that while the facade has been restored and the truss has been repaired, there is considerable work left to do at the Holly. I know of no other entity on the horizon capable of stepping up and returning that building to the landmark of downtown Medford it ought be. JPR-SOU will be attempting to work out their differences but SOU does not believe that JPR has any business renovating or operating theaters and it is unlikely that any solution that remains under Southern Oregon University bodes well for this project.

I might add, that I’ve met Ron Kramer; and did not understand SOU’s position on his holding the two positions; when it was required of him. He and I both spoke at the Press Conference held at the Holly, on the day the meeting was held next door about Ron.

For what it’s worth, I hope the right people are able to restore this gem.

The Holly has been giving tours for some time now, the first Saturday of the month. Its a 90 minute look that takes you on stage and up to the booth. Some of the highlights: construction started in 1929 and opened in 1930 at a cost of $150,000. While primarily built for film, they had the foresight to add dressing rooms and a flywall for live theater as well. There are many access points into the underbelly of the theater. This has helped the many engineers and contractors determine its safety. As such, the Holly does not need any extra retrofits.

  One feature separates the Holly from others, it has no balcony.  At 1200 seats, it might have been the first uses of stadium seating.  There are 2 ramps at the main level that come out at the 'orchestra' level Staircases go up to the 2nd or 'mezzanine' floor.  There is enough space here to rent out for meetings, receptions etc.  Another staircase will take you to the 'balcony' level. There are 5 office size spaces that will be fixed up and rented out. You can access the projection booth from here too.  
                   The stage & pit area are rather small. There is not enough room to put on a full theatrical show. But they can modify the pit for live music or extra seating as well. On the right side of the stage are the dressing rooms as well as a new green room for performers. 
                   The booth has been gutted of course, there would have been no need to keep the projectors after 30 years. It is all steel & concrete to eliminate any fire danger. A cry room is adjacent.  The final seat total is 1003 seats. They are making room for ADA standards as well as putting in new seats that will accommodate today's audiences. 
                   There is no timeline on the opening, I expect that will depend on fundraising. They are almost halfway thru now. One of the benefits they hope to achieve is the Holly will be the anchor for new west side development.