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Preservation Alert
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May 12, 2014
Tug of war over the Jersey
JERSEY CITY, NJ — The jury is still out on what lies in the future for the Loew’s Jersey. Lovingly operated for years by the Friends of the Loew’s, the city is now looking to bring a for-profit concert promoter in to revitalize the venue. But which is the best path for the theatre long term?
Read more in the Star-Ledger.
(Thanks to kiwiplant for providing the photo.)
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April 7, 2014
Boyd Theatre settlement reached
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The 12 year battle for the Boyd is lost so the preservationists entered into a settlement agreement for what they could save before all but the facade is demolished.
Certainly a sad end for this story but the Friends of the Boyd should be applauded for all their years of dedication to saving this treasure. At least a small portion will be preserved for future generations.
Read more at CBS, Philly.com and Hidden City.
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March 26, 2014
Future of Vassar Theatre uncertain after the death of its owner
VASSAR, MI — The owner of the Vassar Theatre, Tim O'Brien, died suddenly of a heart attack at his home on March 19 at age 52. His funeral was held on March 24 at the theatre.
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March 25, 2014
Friends of Boyd responds to decision
PHILADELPHIA, PA — With the news of the demolition of the Boyd Theatre the other week, Friends of Boyd has responded at Plan Philly. If you’ve been following the story, you’ll want to read about how the Friends' proposal actually was viable and a more organic solution for the city. Unfortunately, as earlier reported, interior demolition is underway.
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February 24, 2014
11th Hour offer to purchase Boyd Theatre
PHILADELPHIA, PA — With a Historical Commission meeting to decide the future of the Boyd Theatre looming on Thursday, an anonymous donor has stepped in offering to purchase the theatre for $4.5 Million. This technically should block Live Nation’s sale to another buyer based on the argument of it not being financially viable but the commission will make the final call.
We have plenty of news coverage to bring you up to speed on this exciting development:
Hidden City The Inquirer CBS Local Eyes on the Street
(1956-57 photo courtesy of Friends of the Boyd, Inc.)
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February 20, 2014
The clock is ticking for the Rialto
GRAYLING, MI — The almost 100 year-old Rialto Theater needs $20K in the next week to stay open. They’ve launched a Kickstarter page but the window has almost shut. They not only want to buy a new projector but also update many key features of the theatre.
Read more at MI News.
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February 10, 2014
Warner gem faces murky future
HUNTINGTON PARK, CA — The gorgeous Warner Huntington Park, sister theatre to the Warner Grand and Warner Beverly Hills, is in danger. A new owner is in place whose intentions are unclear. The theatre has been dormant since the 1980’s.
A Friends of the Warner has been established on Facebook. Check it out for more news and some great vintage photos.
(Thanks to monika for providing the photo.)
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February 4, 2014
Olympic Theatre faces final curtain
ARLINGTON, WA — Today could be the final screening at the Olympic Theatre due to their inability to continue without a digital projector. Norma Pappas has owned it and ran it seven days days a week since 1977 but their efforts to secure a future for it have not panned out.
Read more about how this one lady has given her life to this theatre in the Arlington Times.
(Thanks to Lost Memory for providing the photo.)
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January 25, 2014
Battle for Boyd reaches fever pitch
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A crucial moment is upon us where the fate of the beloved Boyd Theatre could be decided. The owner is going in front of the Philadelphia Historical Commission Tuesday to receive approval on demolishing the interior historic elements of the 1928 theatre. The plan is to build a new location for the luxury chain, iPic. An appeal could always follow and delay the project, but this Tuesday will certainly be telling in seeing the city’s support on this matter.
Read more at Philly.com.
(Thanks to Porcelain Doll for providing the photo.)
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January 21, 2014
Next chapter murky for the Hardacre
TIPTON, IA — The Hardacre Theatre may have closed in August but the locals haven’t given up yet. The Hardacre Theater Preservation Association wants to purchase the theatre from it current owners but they need to raise almost $100K by the end of the month. And that doesn’t even include purchasing new equipment.
Read more about how they got to this point and their vibrant film festival in the Press Citizen.
(Thanks to Hosehead_Jones for providing the photo.)