Boyd Theatre nominated for Philadelphia Historical Commission designation, Mayor to support

posted by HowardBHaas on May 30, 2008 at 4:34 am

The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia nominated the Boyd Theatre on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 for designation by the Philadelphia Historical Commission. On May 29, 2008, Philadelphia’s Mayor Michael Nutter announced his support for the nomination and pledged to work to preserve the building. The Historical Commission notified Boyd Theatre owner Live Nation and scheduled a hearing before its Designation Committee for July 16, 2008.

Friends of the Boyd (www.FriendsOfTheBoyd.org) president Howard Haas asserted the Boyd Theatre long ago should have been designated. “It has a beautiful art deco exterior with many original decorative elements intact. It’s about time it was recognized as a landmark,” Haas argued.

May 30, 2008 Philadelphia Inquirer article by Inga Saffron
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/19383149.html

KYW Radio story:
http://www.kyw1060.com/Nutter-Hopes-to-Preserve-Boyd-Theater-with—Histor/2278829

City of Philadelphia press release:

Thursday, May 29, 2008

For Immediate Release

MAYOR NUTTER ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR PRESERVING HISTORIC BOYD THEATER

Philadelphia, May 29, 2008 â€" Mayor Nutter announced today his support of the nomination for historic designation of the Boyd Theater by the Preservation Alliance of Philadelphia,
saying he encouraged the Historical Commission to give this nomination their fullest consideration.

“The Boyd Theater, which opened in 1928, is a cherished institution in this City. It is the last remaining example of the major movie theaters that were once prominent in Center City and which were an important part of the economic, social, and cultural life of the City in the early to mid-twentieth century. For so many of us Philadelphians, the Boyd is an entertainment venue that holds many fond memories. In fact, the Boyd is the place where I first saw that great film Rollerball. I hope that the Historical Commission will give a thorough evaluation of this structure’s importance to our City, and I pledge to work with them to preserve this building.”

Today the Historical Commission accepted the nomination of the Preservation Alliance and notified the owner of the property that it was placing the nomination on the agenda of the Commission’s next meeting, which will be held Wednesday, July 16. A copy of that notification letter is attached.

Maura Kennedy
Deputy Press Secretary
215.686.6210 (o)
267.303.7427 ©
215.686.2170 (f)

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