Fleischmanns Theater
932 Main Street,
Fleischmanns,
NY
12430
932 Main Street,
Fleischmanns,
NY
12430
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What is the status on this theatre?
What is the status on this theatre?
The Fleischmanns Theater is currently up for sale on E-bay View link
for approximately $32.00 per sq. ft.
The web site for the Fleischmanns Theater is up and running. please go to www.fleischmannstheater.com
The Fleischmanns Theater is now listed for sale on E Bay, Item # 4401462976, at a price of $429,000.
Other than heating, the theater is in turn-key condition.
Paul:
The key issue for this theatre is planning, programming and marketing
Absolutely. Several years before John DeSane took over the theater, we sent out a mass mailing of the season’s schedule to about 1200 postal residents of Bovina, Andes, New Kingston, Dunraven, Margaretville, Arkville, Fleischmanns, Halcott Center, Pine Hill, and Phoenicia.
The pickup in traffic was immediately noticeable and carried us through the summer season.
Additionally, Jazz Impressario Hal Davis produced an annual jazz concert that always played to a full house…and it was always commented upon how remarkable the acoustics were.
The market is there and will come…if the ambience and programming are suitable.
cc: paul @ grandvenues.com
The key issue for this theatre is planning, programming and marketing. To Fleischmannslocal, please contact us: (630) 480-3345.
Coming from someone who has lived in Fleischmanns for 5 years, I have seen the good, bad, and ugly side of the theater. The DeSanes poured their heart, soul and wallet into the theater, and the entire community mourns the fact that they will not be returning to finish what they began. As for the asking price, everything is relative. I’m not going to say it’s a bargain at $445K, but I’m also not going to say it is insanely overpriced either. It is what it is. If you’ve got the money, great, and if you don’t, don’t even bother. This is a seasonal community, and you have to have enough money in your pocket to ride out the dry spells. The potenital for the theater is there. I know this because I witnessed the DeSanes, with their hard work, breathe life into and transform the dilapidated space. Make no mistake, whoever takes on this project needs money, time and perserverence, but it can be done. If anyone is looking for a local, mostly unbiased opinion, please leave your email address on here and I’ll be happy to talk to you.
Where on eBay is this theater listed or has it sold?
Dear jdsane: Could you call us, please? (630) 480-3345.
To refer to the Feischmanns Theater as a movie house is an understatement. This theatre is an absolute jem. It was built for live performances. I booked an artist that has played to 20,000+ people as a headliner and he said he has “never experienced acoustics like this before”. Each block was imported from Germany to build the place and you can whisper upstage and here it in the back of the house. The fact that it has 35mm capacity (Super Simplex)with a platter system that is as good as new is just a huge bonus. The equipment is very well kept. The theatre is 100% turn-key.I ran 8 shows per week for six months. The possibilities are endless. I wish more than anything I had the money to realize my dreams with the Fleischmanns Theater. I will say to the person that is considering purchasing the building just like any old building of course it needs some work but this theatre is worth it. I lived upstairs for over a year and did a tremendous amount of work on the place…I know the building inside and out. The community is beyond supportive we had more volunteers than we knew what to do with. We were showing first run films as well some performance programming…i.e. a “haunted theatre” for halloween which was a big hit. We had a couple of live concerts and acting classes. We truly started to make our way we just ran out of money…mind you we started with zero. So it wasn’t the most pragmatic decision but we just love the theatre so much.
Everyone has the same response when they see the theatre for the first time…this is incredible…and it truly is. Once again the possibilities are endless. I envy the person who will make it happen…the theatre deserves it.
to: Richard G.
Sorry, you need to go only to Catskill, N.Y. to find a theatre of “substance”. It’s 1500 sq. ft. stage is over 12% of the entire Fleischmanns' complex. It’s also for sale and I’ll be writing it up shortly. Anyway, good luck and I hope you get your asking price.
I’ve never been to the theater in Catskill so I stand corrected and eagerly look forward to reading your review. As a parenthetical aside, parts of Rt. 42 (the shortcut from Fleischmanns to Catskill) were washed out in the recent spring thaw, necessitating going down State Rt. 28 to Kingston…and then up the Thruway to Catskill.
By the way, I have no fiduciary interest in the Fleischmanns' Theater but did manage it for several years and served as both the projectionist and chief cook and bottle washer.
It’s a grand old building…but obviously could use some capital inflow as well as tender love and care to bring it up to speed.
Thank you for your timely response
To infocats: Sorry, you need to go only to Catskill, N.Y. to find a theatre of “substance”. It’s 1500 sq. ft. stage is over 12% of the entire Fleischmanns' complex. It’s also for sale and I’ll be writing it up shortly. Anyway, good luck and I hope you get your asking price.
to: Richard G –
I saw this theatre in 2002 and 2003 and I predict that at $445,000.00, this theatre will still be for sale many years from now. The only motel was converted into condo’s so I don’t think one could count on too many tourist’s admissions.
[b]As a point in fact, there are many motels in Fleischmanns…and several B & B’s as well. The Flagstone Inn to which you alluded is still operating as a motel, not as condos.
to: AGoodGuyInNY –
The Fleischmanns Theatre is NOT an Art Deco theatre. The exterior of the building is Not Art Deco. The marquee, which is not original to the structure, is Not Art Deco. The proscenium arch is Not Art Deco â€" its style is Empire.
The building itself is of no known architectural style. It was constructed of imported German block tile, and overlayed with a cement outer coating, and has steel truss construction.
I believe the marquee was original equipment to the theater as it had a rotary stepping switch to sequence the incandescent lighting which would have been the then current electrical technology in 1929 when built. The curving lines are more suggestive of Art Deco than Empire which was much more elaborate and decorative.
Rumor has it that the Galli-Curci Theatre in Margaretville (about 8 miles away) has been purchased by two film makers who keep second homes in the area. The rumor continues that they plan to renovate and convert it into a twin screen movie house. If this is true, it does not bode well for the sale price of the Fleischmanns Theatre.
The Galli-Curci is much smaller, had it’s seats and projection equipment removed decades ago…and any comparison is apples to oranges.
The owner’s comment that you wouldn’t be able to build the theatre for $150 per square foot is irrelevant to the market value of the building AS A THEATRE. The justifications used for pricing this theatre at such an exorbitant price demonstrate a lack of understanding of the economics of theatre â€" both film and legitimate stage presentation.
To be kind, your use of the word “exhorbitant price” is both subjective and prejorative. The current cost of construction of a similar structure is absolutely relevant to pricing.
[b]As to the economics of running the theater, it would entirely depend upon the imagination of the prospective owner. For example, it could (and should) be used on a 24 x 7 basis, both to show films, produce live plays, hold concerts, host community functions, and turn upstairs raw loft space into a recording studio (both audio and t.v.) which could then be used as a live insertion point (L.I.P.) to feed local cable companies (either by coax or microwave).
to: interestedbystander –
[b]Great advice…with one caveat. This is the only theater of substance between Oneonta and Kingston…and even they are only cracker box sized multiplexes. One would probably have to go to either N.Y. or Albany to find a theater of this size and majesty.
There certainly is a lot of interest in this property, as well there should be…it is a beautiful space that desperately needs someone with a tender heart and a generous spirit to restore it back to its original glory. Unfortunately, with the exception of this past year when the DeSane’s were caring for the space, the theater had been neglected for decades. As for the DeSane’s, they began a painstaking renovation project, but were unable to do the majority of what they planned for numerous reasons-none of which having anything to do with a lack of drive, desire or ambition. It is my deepest wish that someone out there will purchase this building and bring life back to the village. I know that person is out there somewhere, and for those of you who may be interested in this property, a few tips that will make it easier on you when you go to view it…
1. Yes, there are thousands of grants available to those running a non-profit arts organization…we are talking hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, be warned that the majority of these grants will only be awarded to those running a non-profit organization (501 © 3) for a minimum of one year. So, if you are interested in purchasing this building, start up your non-profit now…it can be done for under $500.00, and it will make your life so much easier. Do not wait until you purchase.
2. Please be aware that the village of Fleischmanns has a year-round population of under 500 people, and a “unique” summer population (to say the least). Make sure that you talk to the business owners in the village…ALL of the business owners, from the Bed & Breakfast owners to the Restaurant owners. And dont just talk to the people of Fleischmanns…go into Margaretville and speak to anyone who is willing to lend you an ear. The Catskill region, while vast and beautiful, has a small population with a WIDE range of views on most topics. The rumor mill spreads quickly there (like most places). Do your research! Spend as much time as you can getting to know the area before you take the leap…the theater needs work, and whoever ends up giving it the attention it needs will be residing in the area for a while.
3. Good help is hard to find! (that goes for anywhere in the world…but especially in the Catskills) It does exist, but look carefully.
4. Finally, do not judge a book by its cover! There are many good people in Fleischmanns…some of the finest I have ever known. And while the Village has its share of “bad seeds”, so does every village in the world. When you pull into the town of Fleischmanns, look past what the town is now. Instead, go to the Museum…see what it once was, and realize that with a few more helping hands and open minds, the town, and the theater could be glorious once more.
The owner’s comment that you wouldn’t be able to build the theatre for $150 per square foot is irrelevant to the market value of the building AS A THEATRE. The justifications used for pricing this theatre at such an exorbitant price demonstrate a lack of understanding of the economics of theatre â€" both film and legitimate stage presentation. A few other comments:
1. Rumor has it that the Galli-Curci Theatre in Margaretville (about 8 miles away) has been purchased by two film makers who keep second homes in the area. The rumor continues that they plan to renovate and convert it into a twin screen movie house. If this is true, it does not bode well for the sale price of the Fleischmanns Theatre.
2. The Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park has yet to be approved.
3. The fact that there are various grants, low-interest loans and tax incentives that MAY BE available has nothing to do with the inherent value of the building. These programs exist for the community good when regular commercial avenues are not economically viable. In other words … it is NOT a justification to fork over an extra $100,000.00 to the seller IF, for example, there is $100,000.00 in grant money available. If this were the case, the seller could procure the grants himself, do nothing to improve the building and pocket the money.
The owner’s comment that you wouldn’t be able to build the theatre for $150 per square foot is irrelevant to the market value of the building AS A THEATRE. The justifications used for pricing this theatre at such an exorbitant price demonstrate a lack of understanding of the economics of theatre â€" both film and legitimate stage presentation. A few other comments:
1. Rumor has it that the Galli-Curci Theatre in Margaretville (about 8 miles away) has been purchased by two film makers who keep second homes in the area. The rumor continues that they plan to renovate and convert it into a twin screen movie house. If this is true, it does not bode well for the sale price of the Fleischmanns Theatre.
2. The Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park has yet to be approved.
3. The fact that there are various grants, low-interest loans and tax incentives that MAY BE available has nothing to do with the inherent value of the building. These programs exist for the community good when regular commercial avenues are not economically viable. In other words … it is NOT a justification to fork over an extra $100,000.00 to the seller IF, for example, there is $100,000.00 in grant money available. If this were the case, the seller could procure the grants himself, do nothing to improve the building and pocket the money.
A few details contributed to this site by the theatre’s owner are incorrect:
1. The Fleischmanns Theatre was built by Max Silberman and it opened in 1929 as the Maxbilt Theatre. It was not named the Onteora Theatre until the 1950s.
2. The Fleischmanns Theatre is NOT an Art Deco theatre. The exterior of the building is Not Art Deco. The marquee, which is not original to the structure, is Not Art Deco. The proscenium arch is Not Art Deco â€" its style is Empire. Yes, there are Art Deco house light fixtures; however, it is very probable that these were installed in the 1950s when the owners at the time replaced equipment, seating, etc. with used fixtures purchased from another movie house which had closed.
Any contact info on the twin for sale in the catskills that sounds like a nice theatre. Is it still open?
Any contact info on the twin for sale in the catskills that sounds like a nice theatre. Is it still open?
catskill is still for sale
As a self appointed real estate appraiser I suggest that before you buy the Fleischmann’s theatre you go look at the Community theatre in the town of Catskill, N.Y. It was for sale two years ago and might still be. The town has a population base of several times that of Fleischmann and is not too far from Fleischmann. The theatre has been twinned at the balcony and it has a lovely marquee. It has more than double the seating capacity of the the Fleischmann’s theatre. There are several store fronts and second floor offices in the theatre building complex. Oh yes, the town has had sewers for many years. The theatre was and maybe is still owned by the people who own the successful Orpheum theatre in Saugerties, N.Y. Sorry, I can’t remember the asking price but it was close to $450,000.00 Just a comment from an amateur real estate appraiser who has visited probably 700 or 800 theatres and as well personally investigated probably 40 or more that were for sale.
Same old, same old… That is why REALISTIC programming and solid financial projections are required. It is Pollyanna to expect a first run small movie theatre to ever survive. Look at what the studios charge us! The good news: Our company, GVI, signed another consulting contract with a small midwest town to determine if the theatre should survive. We believe it will with the proper program mix (movies + music + live entertainment + business meetings) the legal entities that should operate the theatre, tax credit applications, etc. We train boards of directors, managers and staff, work with architects, city planners, assist with the marketing and publicity, create alliances betweeen arts groups and in general, serve as a catalyst for arts groups and downtown developments. We could do it for any city with a population of over 5,000 and a “driving draw” of 12,500. Call Mike or Paul (630) 480-3345.
Old theater dont ever sell close to there real value do to the cost to convert or the cost to keep as a single screen.
12,500 square feet times $36.00 per square foot equals $450,000.
You could not build that building and buy the land for $150.00 per square foot. In addition, sanitary sewers are now being installed in Fleischmanns. (Usually adds about 15 % to property values)