William: You beat me to it…..as I was about to post the American Idol theatre news!! What a beautiful LA theatre and glad to see it get such fun exposure!!
Sodawar: Most interesting to read that you own an original 1908 Hipp theatre seat! I’ve seen old ones of that vintage and they weren’t very comfortable. Does yours have a wire/metal shelf underneath for ladies to put their purses, etc.?
“The lobby area is topped by a dome encircled by circular windows.” How very unique and will look so beautiful when this Kansas City landmark is restored to its former beauty and grandeur!
After viewing a photo of the boarded up Empire why there were plans for it to become a Planet-Hollywood because of its unusual facade, but it needs to remain a theatre as originally intended!
“The Kansas City Star reported that a plan to construct a new headquarters for Kansas City Power & Light on the theater’s site had been rejected by city leaders. Developers sought the entire Empire Theater block to erect a new office tower for the utility company, which rents space just two blocks away.” BellSouth in Atlanta wanted the land that the Fabulous Fox sits on, but a compromise was reached and the Fox is still fabulous today! If one wants to see what was saved, one only has to walk inside the doors of the Peachtree Street Fox to realize how important saving a theatre such as that one was which happens to be an atmospheric theatre which makes the end result sorta like “icing on the cake”!
There were many more Erie theatres than listed on the CT site so in time I hope to have a friend of mine whose father has a scrapbook on Erie area theatres will contribute his vast knowledge.
The curved ‘window’ in the old photos of the Ritz reminds me of the curved ‘signature’ window in the now demolished Tivoli in Mishawaka Indiana that was recently taken down by a mean wrecking ball! If I ever find myself in Mishawaka Indiana I will stand before that former theatre’s location and have a moment of silence THEN pay the Mayor a visit!
And thank you, State of Florida for the money grant to help restore this theatre for future generations to enjoy! I know after being a member of Cinema Treasures that they all can’t be saved, but this one will be! :–)
And I view multi-screen, mega-plexes as door # l, door #2, door #3, etc. They simply have NO charm, but then again what does today’s youth know about….charm! :–(
William: Ok, thanks! And if I ever get to LA, THIS theatre will be definite must-see!
br91975: The official website is very special and offers a wonderful enlarged photo of the theatre with its organ near the stage! Thanks!!!
Having trouble with the website, Los Angeles Conservancy — Last Remaining Seats.
William: You beat me to it…..as I was about to post the American Idol theatre news!! What a beautiful LA theatre and glad to see it get such fun exposure!!
Sodawar: Most interesting to read that you own an original 1908 Hipp theatre seat! I’ve seen old ones of that vintage and they weren’t very comfortable. Does yours have a wire/metal shelf underneath for ladies to put their purses, etc.?
Tom: I never knew there was a Warner-Columbia connection, but thank goodness the Warner still exists on State Street!
“The lobby area is topped by a dome encircled by circular windows.” How very unique and will look so beautiful when this Kansas City landmark is restored to its former beauty and grandeur!
Can anyone post some old photos of the Empire?
After viewing a photo of the boarded up Empire why there were plans for it to become a Planet-Hollywood because of its unusual facade, but it needs to remain a theatre as originally intended!
“The Kansas City Star reported that a plan to construct a new headquarters for Kansas City Power & Light on the theater’s site had been rejected by city leaders. Developers sought the entire Empire Theater block to erect a new office tower for the utility company, which rents space just two blocks away.” BellSouth in Atlanta wanted the land that the Fabulous Fox sits on, but a compromise was reached and the Fox is still fabulous today! If one wants to see what was saved, one only has to walk inside the doors of the Peachtree Street Fox to realize how important saving a theatre such as that one was which happens to be an atmospheric theatre which makes the end result sorta like “icing on the cake”!
Another theatre battling a utility company…one only has to read the Fabulous Fox saga in Atlanta to realize that a win-win solution can be worked out!
There were many more Erie theatres than listed on the CT site so in time I hope to have a friend of mine whose father has a scrapbook on Erie area theatres will contribute his vast knowledge.
Nasty words……urban renewal!
Simply said……….restore NOT destroy!
The curved ‘window’ in the old photos of the Ritz reminds me of the curved ‘signature’ window in the now demolished Tivoli in Mishawaka Indiana that was recently taken down by a mean wrecking ball! If I ever find myself in Mishawaka Indiana I will stand before that former theatre’s location and have a moment of silence THEN pay the Mayor a visit!
And thank you, State of Florida for the money grant to help restore this theatre for future generations to enjoy! I know after being a member of Cinema Treasures that they all can’t be saved, but this one will be! :–)
“Inside, the auditorium held a balcony, a small orchestra pit, dressing rooms and an organ.” Is the organ still there?
So Feb. 10th will NOT be a grand day for us theatre buffs! :–(
And I view multi-screen, mega-plexes as door # l, door #2, door #3, etc. They simply have NO charm, but then again what does today’s youth know about….charm! :–(
John: Well said and I ditto your thoughts!
Don’t see many theatres listed as having Egyptian style and it’s GONE! So sad! :–(
Don’t senior citizens of SF like to see old movies?
Yes, another sad story which seems to ‘come with the territory’ when visiting this cinema site. And all in the name of progress! :–(
Steve: Never underestimate the power of this CT site and the members who are here to help with one’s worthwhile theatre project!
Bryan: Great idea and I’m sure Steve will appreciate this valuable information!