Alton, IL - Alton plans to demolish local movie theater

posted by ThrHistoricalSociety on March 24, 2017 at 6:41 pm

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From KSDK.com: A long-abandoned movie theater in the Metro East may soon be facing the wrecking ball.

Alton Cine, a 300-seat cinema located off of Homers Adam Parkway in Alton, Ill., closed its doors for good in 1998. But despite the 19-year closure, city leaders hope to tear down what locals consider to be an eyesore.

The announcement was initially made during a mayoral candidate forum earlier this month.

According to Alton Mayor Brant Walker, a private owner has maintained the property that has sat in disrepair for nearly two decades. The cinema has remained in poor conditions both inside and out, including the roof reportedly falling in on itself.

Mayor Walker said the city plans to assess the building for asbestos. Once the asbestos is removed, the building reportedly won’t take long to level out. He did not give an exact date for demolition.

Mayor Walker said he believed ‘Titanic’ was the last showing at Alton Cine.

Story link: http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/alton-plans-to-demolish-local-movie-theater/424737075

ABOUT THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded by Ben Hall in 1969, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) celebrates, documents and promotes the architectural, cultural and social relevance of America’s historic theatres. Through its preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, its signature publication Marquee™ and Conclave Theatre Tour, THS increases awareness, appreciation and scholarly study of America’s theatres.

Learn more about historic theatres in the THS American Theatre Architecture Archives and on our website at historictheatres.org

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