It is astounding that security can be breached on such a place. Who will pay the $300K? The Fox is a magnificent gem and MUST be saved…but not before the magnificent Uptown Theatre in Chicago. Is the plan to cut it up to make a “cabaret style venue?” Who comes up with these numbers, “24 million?”
This is a fantastic theatre in a fantastic small town. The Wheaton Grand is one theatre that sits in a cool suburban downtown. Theatres like this can be used to help slowly emerging revitalized downtown areas. Why is it that only we, the fans on Cinema Treasures, can see this? I do not agree with the short write up above that, “the theatre must be closed for 18 months” to complete a restoration. This appears to be a common misconception about restoration. Every project is unique, however, it appears to me that the Wheaton needs to operate successfully for a year FIRST to garner public support THEN begin its restoration in phases. The Wheaton is unique in that it has three usable spaces now. Granted that the bathrooms need work and some major clean up is in order but at least this gem is open to the public now! More importantly, the local kids have been presenting concerts there for a while now. That is a great sign! Good luck, Wheaton! You are on to something good.
I went into the theatre last week and was greeted by the friendliest ticket takers and concessionaires. They were kind enough to let me tour the place in between movies. Fantastic theatre in a fantastic city. They had a great display and plenty of handouts detailing the meticulous restoration. It would be nice for all restored theatres to take such pride in their work. See? Great restorations can occur in smaller towns as well! Good work, Boise and long live the Egyptian.
Magnificent cinema! Great story. What has happened since April? Fascinating story. We have done this type of PR before in America. It always takes more that PR. It takes money and political influence. Perhaps we could help. www.grandevenues.com
Yes, there are many theatres, and other venues that could become theatres, for sale out there. The difficulty is what to do with them. We are in the business of real estate development and see magnificent properties all of the time. For those who are serious about theatres they should do LOTS of homework and ask professionals for business plans, appraisals, ands most importantly, create calendar of events of what will REALLY happen within the theatre AFTER it is open. The calendar must reflect what the community (market) wants NOT what the owner wants. We are always available to help. www.grandevenues.com
“Good riddens?” Where was the PPNA when we were trying to open the theatre? Warshauer did his best but the city shut the place down. You should be horrified at your lack of support! The neighborhood wanted the theatre open and Warshauer’s group tried to open it. “Do your homework?” What happened to YOUR former President of PPNA?
To CH (on Oct 9) who posted the most incredible question I have ever seen on this site. The questions require pages of analysis and descriptions beyond the capacity of this website. Naturally I will take a shot at answering it! Most independent theatres squeak by on a small profit. Chains of movie houses make more profit as they purchase “supplies” (concessions as well as movies) in bulk; they also can squeeze distributors for better prices. A clever small movie theatre that responds to communities needs can make a comfortable profit and be fun but beware! The pitfalls include: programming quagmires, erratic staff and personnel, lack of a solid work ethic, inadequate capitalization, accounting and tax problems, drunk or stoned projectionists (not all), nosey city inspectors, lack of marketing finesse, greedy developers, lousy landlords (not all), an apathetic public, and many others. My final word of advice: take in a few rich partners, marry a rich spouse or win the lottery then call me.
I am happy to say that with a little help from Grande Venues, Inc., Jaime pulled it off. The first part of his journey has ended. This week, the City of Pittsburg, CA has agreed to help us start the restoration! See? Miracles can happen even in the East Bay area. By the way, the boat will stay! Our plans are for movie theatre/sports bar with kitchen and bar. Can the man who posted earlier send us photos of the seats he has for sale, please?
Those interested will be happy that the Enean Theatre is on the way to being saved. We are looking for partners to help make this into a sports bar with live theatre. I know it sounds weird, but that is the last hope for this old Greek theatre in the Bay Area. It was either that or a gym! E-mail us:
I remember that theatre in the 1970s. The neighborhood was already “fading.” I think that the Reseda would be a great theatre to re-open. Anyone know the players involved at LACRA? I will help with other partners who wish to work together. If someone hears about the RFP, please let me know. Thanks.
I spoke with the owners. Nice folks. They want to retire. It housed “Grand Ol' Opry” music for a while then when the former owner tired, the theatre retired. This is a good opportunity for a couple who wants to settle down in a small town south of the “big city” of Laredo. Movies, dinner theatre, country music concerts… Again, I would assist a qualified party and help them get the theatre up and running.
As I keep mentioning, the Uptown Theatre (Chicago) is the crowned jewel of old movie palaces. It appears to be the largest free standing theatre in the world! It is still left for us to save. So many groups have tried and failed. What is the secret? Politics and cash. That’s it. Anyone have any brilliant ideaas this week? I am ready to work full time on this magnificent structure.
I spoke with the owners. Nice folks. They want to retire. It housed “Grand Ol' Opry” music for a while then when the former owner tired, the theatre retired. This is a good opportunity for a couple who wants to settle down in a small town south of the “big city” of Laredo. Movies, dinner theatre, country music concerts… Again, I would assist a qualified party and help them get the theatre up and running.
I spoke with the owners. Nice folks. They want to retire. It housed “Grand Ol' Opry” music for a while then when the former owner tired, the theatre retired. This is a good opportunity for a couple who wants to settle down in a small town south of the “big city” of Laredo. Movies, dinner theatre, country music concerts… Again, I would assist a qualified party and help them get the theatre up and running.
I have received many e-mails and calls lately to help people buy theatres, restore old theatres and develop programs and calendars of events. Happy to help. It is a good deed to save old theatres, if they can be saved. It takes more than money although one must have a little to get started. To open and/or restore an “independent movie house” takes a love for the art, patience, political saavy, the ability to write and execute business plans, knowledge of the historic tax code, patience, partners in finance and accounting, and did I mention patience? Do NOT be discouraged by others on this wonderful website who tell you it is a miserable life. It is NOT! Who doesn’t want to be their own boss in something they love? E-mail me for details:
The old Portage is a mess inside. A church that rented it left is a disaster. Both screens are down. What project are you working on? Ask to see it first! Call the Jenny the building manager. Her phone number is on a note in the window of the theatre. You should be able to rent it for a few hundred a day. Make sure you have an insurance certificate. If you have trouble, e-mail me.
Great opportunity in Post, TX. The old Tower Theatre is for sale again. I spoke with a bunch of folks there today including the bank. We can buy a ALREADY restored theatre for around 50K and that’s the total purchase price. 500 seats. Clean town, they love the arts and very welcoming. Anyone else want to partner? I am looking for a manager with some equity and I will do the rest. E-mail: Mruptownman2000@!hotmail.com.
The best way to save an old theatre is to find a group of investors to make the purchase. Have a local guy or gal in charge to watch the money. Then approach a local bank. Is the theatre historic? Can you restore it and use tax credits? How much does the city want the deal? What about parking? Then try and find an honest manager for the theatre by advertising. The difficult problem is always HOW to sustain an old movie theatre after you buy and restore it. Income and expense numbers and 5 year projections are essential! Do you show first runs? Festivals or old movies as revivals? Do a little live theatre with some concerts or musical evenings? The trick is to do a thorough marketing analysis of the neighborhood and see what the public wants. Too many theatres do it their way without regard to the population who will be the customer base. And always remember the children. THEY are your future audience. Consider after school programs and Saturday matinees. Call me if you wish. It is a tough business but well worth it if the community gets behind you. i am happy to advise and consult. R. Roberts (773) 685-3258.
Oh let me tell you. There are hundreds of people walking around who can advise you about the wonderful world of theatre. They can tell you how to purchase, restore, market, research, own and operate a theatre. Most own their own houses (like me) and unless they own a small outfit, they will not talk to you. Welcome to the real world. I love talking to new people in the business as long as they don’t open up a theatre in MY backyard! Call us up. (773) 685-3258. Or e-mail me:
It is astounding that security can be breached on such a place. Who will pay the $300K? The Fox is a magnificent gem and MUST be saved…but not before the magnificent Uptown Theatre in Chicago. Is the plan to cut it up to make a “cabaret style venue?” Who comes up with these numbers, “24 million?”
Can’t we build these kinds of theatres anywhere else? Why should Hollywood have all the fun???
We can help you, WB11. E-mail us. www.grandevenues.com
This is a fantastic theatre in a fantastic small town. The Wheaton Grand is one theatre that sits in a cool suburban downtown. Theatres like this can be used to help slowly emerging revitalized downtown areas. Why is it that only we, the fans on Cinema Treasures, can see this? I do not agree with the short write up above that, “the theatre must be closed for 18 months” to complete a restoration. This appears to be a common misconception about restoration. Every project is unique, however, it appears to me that the Wheaton needs to operate successfully for a year FIRST to garner public support THEN begin its restoration in phases. The Wheaton is unique in that it has three usable spaces now. Granted that the bathrooms need work and some major clean up is in order but at least this gem is open to the public now! More importantly, the local kids have been presenting concerts there for a while now. That is a great sign! Good luck, Wheaton! You are on to something good.
I went into the theatre last week and was greeted by the friendliest ticket takers and concessionaires. They were kind enough to let me tour the place in between movies. Fantastic theatre in a fantastic city. They had a great display and plenty of handouts detailing the meticulous restoration. It would be nice for all restored theatres to take such pride in their work. See? Great restorations can occur in smaller towns as well! Good work, Boise and long live the Egyptian.
Magnificent cinema! Great story. What has happened since April? Fascinating story. We have done this type of PR before in America. It always takes more that PR. It takes money and political influence. Perhaps we could help. www.grandevenues.com
Check out www.GrandeVenues.com
Yes, there are many theatres, and other venues that could become theatres, for sale out there. The difficulty is what to do with them. We are in the business of real estate development and see magnificent properties all of the time. For those who are serious about theatres they should do LOTS of homework and ask professionals for business plans, appraisals, ands most importantly, create calendar of events of what will REALLY happen within the theatre AFTER it is open. The calendar must reflect what the community (market) wants NOT what the owner wants. We are always available to help. www.grandevenues.com
“Good riddens?” Where was the PPNA when we were trying to open the theatre? Warshauer did his best but the city shut the place down. You should be horrified at your lack of support! The neighborhood wanted the theatre open and Warshauer’s group tried to open it. “Do your homework?” What happened to YOUR former President of PPNA?
I know of a few theatres for sale in Pennsylvania. Drop me an e-mail, if you wish:
To CH (on Oct 9) who posted the most incredible question I have ever seen on this site. The questions require pages of analysis and descriptions beyond the capacity of this website. Naturally I will take a shot at answering it! Most independent theatres squeak by on a small profit. Chains of movie houses make more profit as they purchase “supplies” (concessions as well as movies) in bulk; they also can squeeze distributors for better prices. A clever small movie theatre that responds to communities needs can make a comfortable profit and be fun but beware! The pitfalls include: programming quagmires, erratic staff and personnel, lack of a solid work ethic, inadequate capitalization, accounting and tax problems, drunk or stoned projectionists (not all), nosey city inspectors, lack of marketing finesse, greedy developers, lousy landlords (not all), an apathetic public, and many others. My final word of advice: take in a few rich partners, marry a rich spouse or win the lottery then call me.
I am happy to say that with a little help from Grande Venues, Inc., Jaime pulled it off. The first part of his journey has ended. This week, the City of Pittsburg, CA has agreed to help us start the restoration! See? Miracles can happen even in the East Bay area. By the way, the boat will stay! Our plans are for movie theatre/sports bar with kitchen and bar. Can the man who posted earlier send us photos of the seats he has for sale, please?
Hey Long Island… If you put up ½, I would put ½ on my AmEx. All we need is a General Manager who wants to live there. Anyone else interested?
Those interested will be happy that the Enean Theatre is on the way to being saved. We are looking for partners to help make this into a sports bar with live theatre. I know it sounds weird, but that is the last hope for this old Greek theatre in the Bay Area. It was either that or a gym! E-mail us:
I remember that theatre in the 1970s. The neighborhood was already “fading.” I think that the Reseda would be a great theatre to re-open. Anyone know the players involved at LACRA? I will help with other partners who wish to work together. If someone hears about the RFP, please let me know. Thanks.
I spoke with the owners. Nice folks. They want to retire. It housed “Grand Ol' Opry” music for a while then when the former owner tired, the theatre retired. This is a good opportunity for a couple who wants to settle down in a small town south of the “big city” of Laredo. Movies, dinner theatre, country music concerts… Again, I would assist a qualified party and help them get the theatre up and running.
As I keep mentioning, the Uptown Theatre (Chicago) is the crowned jewel of old movie palaces. It appears to be the largest free standing theatre in the world! It is still left for us to save. So many groups have tried and failed. What is the secret? Politics and cash. That’s it. Anyone have any brilliant ideaas this week? I am ready to work full time on this magnificent structure.
I spoke with the owners. Nice folks. They want to retire. It housed “Grand Ol' Opry” music for a while then when the former owner tired, the theatre retired. This is a good opportunity for a couple who wants to settle down in a small town south of the “big city” of Laredo. Movies, dinner theatre, country music concerts… Again, I would assist a qualified party and help them get the theatre up and running.
I spoke with the owners. Nice folks. They want to retire. It housed “Grand Ol' Opry” music for a while then when the former owner tired, the theatre retired. This is a good opportunity for a couple who wants to settle down in a small town south of the “big city” of Laredo. Movies, dinner theatre, country music concerts… Again, I would assist a qualified party and help them get the theatre up and running.
I have received many e-mails and calls lately to help people buy theatres, restore old theatres and develop programs and calendars of events. Happy to help. It is a good deed to save old theatres, if they can be saved. It takes more than money although one must have a little to get started. To open and/or restore an “independent movie house” takes a love for the art, patience, political saavy, the ability to write and execute business plans, knowledge of the historic tax code, patience, partners in finance and accounting, and did I mention patience? Do NOT be discouraged by others on this wonderful website who tell you it is a miserable life. It is NOT! Who doesn’t want to be their own boss in something they love? E-mail me for details:
The old Portage is a mess inside. A church that rented it left is a disaster. Both screens are down. What project are you working on? Ask to see it first! Call the Jenny the building manager. Her phone number is on a note in the window of the theatre. You should be able to rent it for a few hundred a day. Make sure you have an insurance certificate. If you have trouble, e-mail me.
Great opportunity in Post, TX. The old Tower Theatre is for sale again. I spoke with a bunch of folks there today including the bank. We can buy a ALREADY restored theatre for around 50K and that’s the total purchase price. 500 seats. Clean town, they love the arts and very welcoming. Anyone else want to partner? I am looking for a manager with some equity and I will do the rest. E-mail: Mruptownman2000@!hotmail.com.
The best way to save an old theatre is to find a group of investors to make the purchase. Have a local guy or gal in charge to watch the money. Then approach a local bank. Is the theatre historic? Can you restore it and use tax credits? How much does the city want the deal? What about parking? Then try and find an honest manager for the theatre by advertising. The difficult problem is always HOW to sustain an old movie theatre after you buy and restore it. Income and expense numbers and 5 year projections are essential! Do you show first runs? Festivals or old movies as revivals? Do a little live theatre with some concerts or musical evenings? The trick is to do a thorough marketing analysis of the neighborhood and see what the public wants. Too many theatres do it their way without regard to the population who will be the customer base. And always remember the children. THEY are your future audience. Consider after school programs and Saturday matinees. Call me if you wish. It is a tough business but well worth it if the community gets behind you. i am happy to advise and consult. R. Roberts (773) 685-3258.
So… what is the REAL story on this theatre? Anyone else want to partner on this deal?
Oh let me tell you. There are hundreds of people walking around who can advise you about the wonderful world of theatre. They can tell you how to purchase, restore, market, research, own and operate a theatre. Most own their own houses (like me) and unless they own a small outfit, they will not talk to you. Welcome to the real world. I love talking to new people in the business as long as they don’t open up a theatre in MY backyard! Call us up. (773) 685-3258. Or e-mail me: