What a wonderful atmospheric theatre in Kalamazoo MI so I sure hope the folks of Kalamazoo appreciate what they have there! I know I would be very appreciative! Wonder if they give tours? If not, they certainly should!
lostmemory: Yes, July is the month and the 14th is the date, but NOT the year….would you believe 1946? Which ‘related website link above’ as I’m very anxious to “Take the Flash Tour”?
“Today, the Uptown is one of the Midwest’s finest restored historic movie palaces.” Sure is nice to read about this RESTORED historic theater! Then to read….“The ceiling featured a field of twinkling stars, drifting clouds, and for a time, mechanical birds.” is really quite something as I’ve never read about the addition of “mechanical birds”.
“Although the auditorium could not be saved, its grand lobby, ballroom and storefront areas were transformed to their 20s grandeur. The focal point of the office foyer space is now the large marble staircase.” Is this part of present day office and retail complex, the Atrium Center?
Neo: Thanks! I looked through the photos and read some of the information, but am a bit confused. The balcony photo looks like it’s out in the elements with no roof? And when you say ‘it’s part of a parking lot" what do you mean as I viewed photos of altered office space and an exterior facade that looked like though not a theatre anymore which is such a shame as it was an atmospheric-Eberson theatre! Such a treasure and Lansing didn’t choose to preserve it for future generations. :–(
“The theatre is not atmospheric so this was a departure from his usual style.” This will not deter me from checking out the Palace this summer! “In 1999, the Palace showed its last movie but was again saved from the wrecking ball by Curtain Up Productions who leased the theatre from 1999 through 2003.” Thank goodness!
Is there hope that an organ will once again be installed in this theatre? When the Opus 1066 was shipped to the Palace from the factory it didn’t have far too travel as Lockport is near N. Tonawanda NY. It seems such a shame that it doesn’t have an organ today though! But thank goodness this Eberson/Lempert theatre is still operating though NittyRanks tells us that “Lockport is not the town it once was…"Downtown is kind of dead.” And I certainly agree with RJT….“That local Architect, without whom there would be no Palace, was Leon H. Lempert,Jr. of Rochester,N.Y.”
Since this Eberson theatre is listed as closed does that mean there is still hope for this movie palace in Lansing MI? It’s hard for me to understand why a community that has an Eberson theatre would let it be listed as closed and not restored!
I decided to look under the Eberson name as I’ll be checking out some of the theatres built by this famous name and came upon one that truly surprised me….Butler PA. This is a small PA town south of Erie PA. Can anyone contribute to this link?
Jloster: Do you know Paul Warshauer who is the general manager at the Wheaton Grand? Recently I had a lovely theatre phone chat with him. He is a very dedicated, focused and sincere theatre buff. And I must say that I was thrilled with your final sentence…“It will be a single auditorium upon completion of the restoration.”
John: Wanted to ask you about your theatre research and if it is limited to theatres in SC only? Also, that I’ll be in Kershaw SC next Friday and saw that you list 2 theatres there.
Interesting to note that actor, Gabby Hayes was from Wellsville NY In nearby Bradford PA the actor who played Boss Hogg on Dukes of Hazzard and the famous television ‘drunk’, Foster Brooks were both from that PA oil town.
“The city had plans to demolish the theatre and use the space for municipal parking to alleviate some of the neighborhood parking problem. The neighborhood outcry of local residents prompted the city to abandon this plan and Festival stepped in and purchased the building.” This is what we want to read on CT!
What a wonderful atmospheric theatre in Kalamazoo MI so I sure hope the folks of Kalamazoo appreciate what they have there! I know I would be very appreciative! Wonder if they give tours? If not, they certainly should!
Thanks as I’d take 1966, but the truth of the matter is that the numbers are 1.9.4.6. Will take the flash tour now!
lostmemory: Yes, July is the month and the 14th is the date, but NOT the year….would you believe 1946? Which ‘related website link above’ as I’m very anxious to “Take the Flash Tour”?
“Today, the Uptown is one of the Midwest’s finest restored historic movie palaces.” Sure is nice to read about this RESTORED historic theater! Then to read….“The ceiling featured a field of twinkling stars, drifting clouds, and for a time, mechanical birds.” is really quite something as I’ve never read about the addition of “mechanical birds”.
AND it has a theatre organ on a lift and an orchestra pit! Oh my!
Steve: Alas, I find you here on this link! And this possible sale is an Eberson/art deco deal/single screen deal!
lostmemory: Any inside photos that you could contribute?
Such a shame this theatre couldn’t have stayed a single screen Eberson theatre! When they ‘cut them up’ it sure changes the charm and ambience!
“Although the auditorium could not be saved, its grand lobby, ballroom and storefront areas were transformed to their 20s grandeur. The focal point of the office foyer space is now the large marble staircase.” Is this part of present day office and retail complex, the Atrium Center?
Neo: Thanks! I looked through the photos and read some of the information, but am a bit confused. The balcony photo looks like it’s out in the elements with no roof? And when you say ‘it’s part of a parking lot" what do you mean as I viewed photos of altered office space and an exterior facade that looked like though not a theatre anymore which is such a shame as it was an atmospheric-Eberson theatre! Such a treasure and Lansing didn’t choose to preserve it for future generations. :–(
“The theatre is not atmospheric so this was a departure from his usual style.” This will not deter me from checking out the Palace this summer! “In 1999, the Palace showed its last movie but was again saved from the wrecking ball by Curtain Up Productions who leased the theatre from 1999 through 2003.” Thank goodness!
Is there hope that an organ will once again be installed in this theatre? When the Opus 1066 was shipped to the Palace from the factory it didn’t have far too travel as Lockport is near N. Tonawanda NY. It seems such a shame that it doesn’t have an organ today though! But thank goodness this Eberson/Lempert theatre is still operating though NittyRanks tells us that “Lockport is not the town it once was…"Downtown is kind of dead.” And I certainly agree with RJT….“That local Architect, without whom there would be no Palace, was Leon H. Lempert,Jr. of Rochester,N.Y.”
I’ll be passing through this college town in late April so plan to see this Eberson built theatre then.
Since this Eberson theatre is listed as closed does that mean there is still hope for this movie palace in Lansing MI? It’s hard for me to understand why a community that has an Eberson theatre would let it be listed as closed and not restored!
I decided to look under the Eberson name as I’ll be checking out some of the theatres built by this famous name and came upon one that truly surprised me….Butler PA. This is a small PA town south of Erie PA. Can anyone contribute to this link?
Jloster: Do you know Paul Warshauer who is the general manager at the Wheaton Grand? Recently I had a lovely theatre phone chat with him. He is a very dedicated, focused and sincere theatre buff. And I must say that I was thrilled with your final sentence…“It will be a single auditorium upon completion of the restoration.”
When was the Wheaton Grand made into a 4 screen/multiplex as I assume it was a single screen theatre?
TC: DITTO!
John: Wanted to ask you about your theatre research and if it is limited to theatres in SC only? Also, that I’ll be in Kershaw SC next Friday and saw that you list 2 theatres there.
John: Also tried sending you an email and I rec’d a failed notification. I used
Interesting to note that actor, Gabby Hayes was from Wellsville NY In nearby Bradford PA the actor who played Boss Hogg on Dukes of Hazzard and the famous television ‘drunk’, Foster Brooks were both from that PA oil town.
“The city had plans to demolish the theatre and use the space for municipal parking to alleviate some of the neighborhood parking problem. The neighborhood outcry of local residents prompted the city to abandon this plan and Festival stepped in and purchased the building.” This is what we want to read on CT!
Sorry….the name is John Coles. His website is above in his March 5th post.
Scoop: John Cole is supposed to have a website on SC theatres, but I haven’t found it yet.
Shannon: I see that you are online so hope you say hello and reply to my recent posts on this link as I enjoyed receiving your personal email.