Before the renovation to being a multi-plex, did the Varsity have a stage, or just a screen at the front; and if a stage, is it still there? I acquire and restore old theatres to original looks and also hold live stage events at them. you can contact me at my business email Don
I’m reading several sites on the Rodgers. In 1990, I both lived in Corning and had a small department store right across the street from the Rodgers. At that time it was closed, but the city and someone had plans to reopen the theatre (I thought as a live stage theatre; and not a duplex). I moved away before it was reopened and not seen it since. I hope that what I just read is not true “closed”.
I was recently contacted by one of the current owners, asking me to purchase the Capitol. I told him that for it’s condition he was asking way too much. He then asked for a counter-offer; which after discussing it with several people in the know of it’s condition, I told him $0.00. I have a number of fairly recent pictures of it’s interior; plus knowing that it has a small stage, which cannot host Broadway type shows, I felt it is too far gone. Some of us estimated $12 – $15 million restoration cost. Mr. Kwan could not see that much; but he was fuguring costs to make it useable as something else (4 walls); and he estimated a fraction of what it’d cost to make it back into a 1730 seat live-stage “Grand” theatre.
Sorry folks, but it is highly unlikely that the Capitol will ever be restored as a grand theatre.
NO…. But needing the amount of restoration it needs, it needs to become a live stage venue again; with big name entertainers, special films, including a yearly film festival. I truly expect that after restoration costs, if someone wanted to show movies, they could build a new movie theater far cheaper. Being divided up into several small movie auditoriums, the entire theatre loses it’s beauty and glory, that is the reason for someone restoring an old theatre. Knocking out the added walls (it’s divided into several theaters right now), will bring back the majestic interior that people want to see in such a restoration; and dividing it into small theatres looses that.
I might add, that there’s $ million(s) of repairs and updating that “MUST” be done before the place could reopen. There was a vandal started fire, that from what I understand will cost well over $500,000. alone to repair the damage. Wiring is outdated, Audio and video equipment is old-school; and need replacing, With many years of non-use, the curtains may need replacing; as well, dampness may have caused seats to mill-due or rot. A lot must be done; and unless you’re willing to, or desire to bring in high dollar acts, requiring $$$$$ to book and advertise, the cost of refurbishing it into a movie theatre is not worth the money. After purchase, you’ll need several $ millions just to refurbish and book a number of shows, advertise them, etc.
I have the contact information for the owners; and have for 2 years been trying to get them to talk with me about selling or leasing it to me. The owners and the city are in legal battles at the moment; and even if I (or anyone) purchased the place, the legal matters with the city will need to be resolved (which I think, just getting ownership of the theatre, would accomplish). Unfortunately Mr. Benny and his Ms won’t talk with me, the city OR ANYONE. I have spoke with the city, the owners of the former tire shop building next door and both would like for Mr. Benny to quit playing games and to sell it. Even with cash offered; and the ability to rid himself of the legal battle, he so far, has not been willing to talk with anyone.
I might add, that I’ve met Ron Kramer; and did not understand SOU’s position on his holding the two positions; when it was required of him. He and I both spoke at the Press Conference held at the Holly, on the day the meeting was held next door about Ron.
JPR is looking for a manager of the Holly’s Restoration and operations. I have every qualification listed, “except” a BA degree. I’ve owned theatres, restored and operated them as live stage venues; but that don’t count, as I don’t have the degree. I’m sure they will hire a college graduate that has no past restoration & operation experience (maybe one area of experience, but not both). They probably will also bring in someone from out of town; even though I live in Medford; and go past the Holly several times every week; and have working relations with the same contractor that JPR used to redo the front of the Holly. I turned in a resume, but have heard nothing.
I recently moved back to Oregon FROM CALIFORNIA; and I’ve opened 2 theatres in CA, that I was told that had city issues; and I’ve also ran for office in both Anaheim (CA) and Redding (CA); and have been involved in CA politics since 1971. People that knows how the CA political process works can accomplish things other’s can’t. Now in NW Oregon, I don’t know their politics; and 4 years ago I lost a fight. EVERY state/county/city/block has different rules; and you have to know how to deal with them. I’m learning here in Medford real quickly how the process works; and I’ve already made friends with the Mayor. He’s the only one so far that told me the truth. The Associate City Mgr. is close behind in truth. So far, Marysville officials seem willing to work with someone, if they acquire the State or Hotel.
Unfortunantly too many large theatres of this kind end up in scrupulous hands; and end up being either demolished, or turned into something else. About the same situation as with the state, is happening to the Capitol Theatre in New London, CT. That one I have tried to buy, but, another restored (smaller) theatre jumped in and acted like they wanted to buy it for more money, until I was out of the picture, then they backed out of the deal. To save the state (and the Marysville Hotel), it will take a number of supporters, that 1) will help raise the funds needed to restore it 2) help with the labor, restoring it. Until subh time as the current owner will even reply to someone who wants to purchase it, the State will just fall further and further into decay. I believe that if someone can acquire the State and seriously work to restore it, the city will drop the fines and repainting charges against the theatre. The owner of the former tire store on the corner is willing to allow use of his property for fundraisers; and I believe that the parking situation can be overcome. Medford, Oregon, has in it’s downtown historic district, allowed for normal parking requirements to be bypassed. If Marysville seriously wants the theatre and hotel restored and open, they will work with owners on that issue. These two venues will help Marysville for years to come, if the city allows them to reopen without the 500+ parking spaces requirement.
Well, I have it set to notify me of any new posts about the State; and 8 minutes after you posted your message I’m replying. Hipefully we will be able to get the current owner to sell to me. At the moment I’m profucing a U.S. West Coast Concert toru for 2013; and hopefully when it’s over Mr. Benny will sell. Don’t ask how much I plan to make producing the tour; but I will have enough cash to buy it. Tell your daughter to pray that I end up getting it. I have a list of volunteers willing to help; and I’m sure they’d like your daughter to help them.
I now am putting together a U.S. Tour for 2011 Australia’s Got Talent Winner (A look/sound alike of Queen’s late singer Freddie Mercury). Thomas Crane makes you think Freddie has reincarnidated in him. I will be using some of the profits from this tour to help acquire and refurbish theatres like the State (hopefully the State). I need locations in/near Marysville, of large outdoors venues, High School, or college football stadiums, to host one of Thomas' concerts in. This is an ongoing effort to get and reopen the Marysville State Theatre for live-stage and film festivals (yes even Rocky Horror Picture Show).
I might add, that if we can get the theatre from Mr. Benny, the Marquee shown in the above picture will be replicated; as will the vertical State sign. I agree with the one post, that the current marquee is ugly. As for the 1977ish tile, if it’s actually original, it will be cleaned and repaired. If it is an add-on, it will be replaced with whatever was original to the theatre. Once restored, or replaced with like new tile. ot will look a whole lot better. Most theatre’s had tile entranceways. My purpose is to bring back it’s glory; with whatever improvements that are “required” (new sound system, DVD projection equipment, stage lights, wiring, ADA restrooms, etc.). Original looks is what people expect of a prize theatre’s restoration.
AnnaBananna: The ad states the property is Off-Market (Not For Sale At This Time). Thanks Anyway!!!
EVERYONE ELSE: Apparantly the owner of the building next to the State (on the corner) reads these posts, as he has contacted me and has someone he thinks might be able to get Mr. Benny to talk with me about his selling the State. Hopefully this is a positive, that will lead to the State (and also the Marysville Hotel) being acquired, restored and open as viable venues.
The storefront on the right was the entrance to the Rialto; and the left larger storefront, the Rialto was in the Rear Half. The theatre was gutted and became a furniture store for many years, but sit’s empty, with a for sale sign in it; and cardboard theatre information history just inside the windows. This past week (July 4, 2012) crews have been putting a new roof on the building. The right storefront does have a portal inside that states “Rialto Theatre”. Don Kirk – Medford
The entrance doors have also been replaced (I’ll ge their pic) with Oak? doors, that compliment the entrance. I do not know what has happened to the Box Office, but it may be inside someplace..
Southern Oregon University (SOU) and the Jefferson Public Radio Foundation (JPRF) have agreed to postpone any actions while a cooling off period of 60 days (also heard 90) takes place, with a private negotiator working with both sides to resolve the issue. In the meantime the head of JPRF leader Ron Kramer has resigned, at the reccommendation of SOU. Whether by JPRF, or another organization, the Holly is under restoration; and “Will” reopen in the next couple of years; for live-stage and films. I was in the Holly a couple of times this past few weeks and a lot of cleaning will need to be done; as well, years ago “all” seats were removed; so new seats will need to be added; as well as ADA needs. Don Kirk – Medford
Update this past week, the UofO Ashland board has voted against JPR owning theatres and says it should only own radio stations. This action could put an end this next week (when the Truss is finished being repaired) to all restoration efforts by JPR to the theatre. The nonprofit I work for had considered purchasing the Holly before JPR did; but was told by the city that a parking solution to about 300 vehicles would need to be overcame. I think the city exempted JPR from the 300 parking space need (and why did they tell us we HAD to have the 300 spaces?). If the board’s actions hold, the Holly may again be up for sale; and we will again consider purchasing it (if parking and other things could be resolved). We use the same contractor that did the front of the Holly in recent months; so picking up steam again would not take long. Don Kirk – Medford/Redding
Again the Capitol is up for sale (June 2012). I’m International Media Manager for an international humanitarian & entertainment nonprofit.
In 2005 we tried to buy the Capitol; and the Garde blocked the sale, by saying (to a CA property owner) they wanted to buy the building and land of a theatre we just opened in Dunsmuir, CA.
Learning that the Capitol is again for sale, I have contacted my boss to see if funds are available for us to finally acquire the Capitol.
There are a few major problems that would have to be adressed 1) Asbestos 2) Back Entrance 3) restoring artwork 4) any roof repair work the city didn’t do 5) adding 1 or 2 elevators, plus electrical, plumbing, ADA Restrooms, etc. I cannot find any pictures of it with a marquee. I did have interior pic’s the city sent; but they were wiped out when my hard-drive crashed. I’m in Medford, Oregon at the moment; but we have an assistant to the CEO near New London. If my boss allows us to get the Capitol, we’ll need a lot of volunteers to help get the place in shape. If we don’t, it will cost a few $ million more than we probably can come up with. A lot of the high cost, is high dollar paid construction labor. We will gladly give regular volunteers some free admissions to events at the Capitol (again, we have to get it first). my emil is If anyone has any of those interior pic’s (when in use, or in need of restoration), please forward them to me. Thanks! Don
We are also having trouble contacting the owner of the Capitol Theatre in New London, CT. It was bought from the city for $1. Plus back $20,000. property taxes; with the agreement to restore the theatre (over 1700 seating capacity). The 2 owners there have also done nothing; and refuse to answer inquiries from anyone including the city. We want both of these thetres (and the Hotel Marysville); and will keep working to acquire all of these. With a 90' wide stage, we could produce any type of show. We’d love to bring the current version of Lord Of The Dance and other show of that calliber to Marysville’s State Theatre.
We looked into purchasing the theatre 2 years ago and the owner said he wants to sell the whole shopping center; as it’s all parcel. Anyone have $15 million?
Since my last posting, I have called and attempted to talk with Mr. Benny; but get only voicemail and no reply (to our buying the State for a live stage venue). I have also talked to and emailed Mr. Lamon about acquiring both the State and the Marysville Hotel. I’m currently in Medford, OR, working to acquire several buildings and land to open Phase I, of the new Medford Convention & Exposition Center; which we hope to open in the spring of 2012. After that, we will again attempt to purchase these two Marysville landmarks.
Between 2003 and 2005 a partner and I restored the California Theatre in Dunsmuir, CA; and reopened it as a live stage venue and special movies.
She and I could not get along once it opened (she booked only live kids shows & movies) and I bailed.
I would love to take over the restoration and reopening of the State (especially with 1667 seats) and bring big name acts to the theatre (Bill Medley, BS&T, etc.). I would gladly head-up and manage a $ multi-million restoration of the theatre, holding events and using volunteers, to cut those $ millions way down.
If any of you would be willing to work with me on this project, please contact me; and we’ll see if we can’t get the City and Owners together, to agree to a restoration & our operating the State.
Before the renovation to being a multi-plex, did the Varsity have a stage, or just a screen at the front; and if a stage, is it still there? I acquire and restore old theatres to original looks and also hold live stage events at them. you can contact me at my business email Don
I’m reading several sites on the Rodgers. In 1990, I both lived in Corning and had a small department store right across the street from the Rodgers. At that time it was closed, but the city and someone had plans to reopen the theatre (I thought as a live stage theatre; and not a duplex). I moved away before it was reopened and not seen it since. I hope that what I just read is not true “closed”.
I was recently contacted by one of the current owners, asking me to purchase the Capitol. I told him that for it’s condition he was asking way too much. He then asked for a counter-offer; which after discussing it with several people in the know of it’s condition, I told him $0.00. I have a number of fairly recent pictures of it’s interior; plus knowing that it has a small stage, which cannot host Broadway type shows, I felt it is too far gone. Some of us estimated $12 – $15 million restoration cost. Mr. Kwan could not see that much; but he was fuguring costs to make it useable as something else (4 walls); and he estimated a fraction of what it’d cost to make it back into a 1730 seat live-stage “Grand” theatre.
Sorry folks, but it is highly unlikely that the Capitol will ever be restored as a grand theatre.
NO…. But needing the amount of restoration it needs, it needs to become a live stage venue again; with big name entertainers, special films, including a yearly film festival. I truly expect that after restoration costs, if someone wanted to show movies, they could build a new movie theater far cheaper. Being divided up into several small movie auditoriums, the entire theatre loses it’s beauty and glory, that is the reason for someone restoring an old theatre. Knocking out the added walls (it’s divided into several theaters right now), will bring back the majestic interior that people want to see in such a restoration; and dividing it into small theatres looses that.
I might add, that there’s $ million(s) of repairs and updating that “MUST” be done before the place could reopen. There was a vandal started fire, that from what I understand will cost well over $500,000. alone to repair the damage. Wiring is outdated, Audio and video equipment is old-school; and need replacing, With many years of non-use, the curtains may need replacing; as well, dampness may have caused seats to mill-due or rot. A lot must be done; and unless you’re willing to, or desire to bring in high dollar acts, requiring $$$$$ to book and advertise, the cost of refurbishing it into a movie theatre is not worth the money. After purchase, you’ll need several $ millions just to refurbish and book a number of shows, advertise them, etc.
I have the contact information for the owners; and have for 2 years been trying to get them to talk with me about selling or leasing it to me. The owners and the city are in legal battles at the moment; and even if I (or anyone) purchased the place, the legal matters with the city will need to be resolved (which I think, just getting ownership of the theatre, would accomplish). Unfortunately Mr. Benny and his Ms won’t talk with me, the city OR ANYONE. I have spoke with the city, the owners of the former tire shop building next door and both would like for Mr. Benny to quit playing games and to sell it. Even with cash offered; and the ability to rid himself of the legal battle, he so far, has not been willing to talk with anyone.
I might add, that I’ve met Ron Kramer; and did not understand SOU’s position on his holding the two positions; when it was required of him. He and I both spoke at the Press Conference held at the Holly, on the day the meeting was held next door about Ron.
JPR is looking for a manager of the Holly’s Restoration and operations. I have every qualification listed, “except” a BA degree. I’ve owned theatres, restored and operated them as live stage venues; but that don’t count, as I don’t have the degree. I’m sure they will hire a college graduate that has no past restoration & operation experience (maybe one area of experience, but not both). They probably will also bring in someone from out of town; even though I live in Medford; and go past the Holly several times every week; and have working relations with the same contractor that JPR used to redo the front of the Holly. I turned in a resume, but have heard nothing.
I recently moved back to Oregon FROM CALIFORNIA; and I’ve opened 2 theatres in CA, that I was told that had city issues; and I’ve also ran for office in both Anaheim (CA) and Redding (CA); and have been involved in CA politics since 1971. People that knows how the CA political process works can accomplish things other’s can’t. Now in NW Oregon, I don’t know their politics; and 4 years ago I lost a fight. EVERY state/county/city/block has different rules; and you have to know how to deal with them. I’m learning here in Medford real quickly how the process works; and I’ve already made friends with the Mayor. He’s the only one so far that told me the truth. The Associate City Mgr. is close behind in truth. So far, Marysville officials seem willing to work with someone, if they acquire the State or Hotel.
Unfortunantly too many large theatres of this kind end up in scrupulous hands; and end up being either demolished, or turned into something else. About the same situation as with the state, is happening to the Capitol Theatre in New London, CT. That one I have tried to buy, but, another restored (smaller) theatre jumped in and acted like they wanted to buy it for more money, until I was out of the picture, then they backed out of the deal. To save the state (and the Marysville Hotel), it will take a number of supporters, that 1) will help raise the funds needed to restore it 2) help with the labor, restoring it. Until subh time as the current owner will even reply to someone who wants to purchase it, the State will just fall further and further into decay. I believe that if someone can acquire the State and seriously work to restore it, the city will drop the fines and repainting charges against the theatre. The owner of the former tire store on the corner is willing to allow use of his property for fundraisers; and I believe that the parking situation can be overcome. Medford, Oregon, has in it’s downtown historic district, allowed for normal parking requirements to be bypassed. If Marysville seriously wants the theatre and hotel restored and open, they will work with owners on that issue. These two venues will help Marysville for years to come, if the city allows them to reopen without the 500+ parking spaces requirement.
OOPS… Sorry for the Typos above.
Well, I have it set to notify me of any new posts about the State; and 8 minutes after you posted your message I’m replying. Hipefully we will be able to get the current owner to sell to me. At the moment I’m profucing a U.S. West Coast Concert toru for 2013; and hopefully when it’s over Mr. Benny will sell. Don’t ask how much I plan to make producing the tour; but I will have enough cash to buy it. Tell your daughter to pray that I end up getting it. I have a list of volunteers willing to help; and I’m sure they’d like your daughter to help them.
I now am putting together a U.S. Tour for 2011 Australia’s Got Talent Winner (A look/sound alike of Queen’s late singer Freddie Mercury). Thomas Crane makes you think Freddie has reincarnidated in him. I will be using some of the profits from this tour to help acquire and refurbish theatres like the State (hopefully the State). I need locations in/near Marysville, of large outdoors venues, High School, or college football stadiums, to host one of Thomas' concerts in. This is an ongoing effort to get and reopen the Marysville State Theatre for live-stage and film festivals (yes even Rocky Horror Picture Show).
I might add, that if we can get the theatre from Mr. Benny, the Marquee shown in the above picture will be replicated; as will the vertical State sign. I agree with the one post, that the current marquee is ugly. As for the 1977ish tile, if it’s actually original, it will be cleaned and repaired. If it is an add-on, it will be replaced with whatever was original to the theatre. Once restored, or replaced with like new tile. ot will look a whole lot better. Most theatre’s had tile entranceways. My purpose is to bring back it’s glory; with whatever improvements that are “required” (new sound system, DVD projection equipment, stage lights, wiring, ADA restrooms, etc.). Original looks is what people expect of a prize theatre’s restoration.
AnnaBananna: The ad states the property is Off-Market (Not For Sale At This Time). Thanks Anyway!!!
EVERYONE ELSE: Apparantly the owner of the building next to the State (on the corner) reads these posts, as he has contacted me and has someone he thinks might be able to get Mr. Benny to talk with me about his selling the State. Hopefully this is a positive, that will lead to the State (and also the Marysville Hotel) being acquired, restored and open as viable venues.
The storefront on the right was the entrance to the Rialto; and the left larger storefront, the Rialto was in the Rear Half. The theatre was gutted and became a furniture store for many years, but sit’s empty, with a for sale sign in it; and cardboard theatre information history just inside the windows. This past week (July 4, 2012) crews have been putting a new roof on the building. The right storefront does have a portal inside that states “Rialto Theatre”. Don Kirk – Medford
The entrance doors have also been replaced (I’ll ge their pic) with Oak? doors, that compliment the entrance. I do not know what has happened to the Box Office, but it may be inside someplace..
Southern Oregon University (SOU) and the Jefferson Public Radio Foundation (JPRF) have agreed to postpone any actions while a cooling off period of 60 days (also heard 90) takes place, with a private negotiator working with both sides to resolve the issue. In the meantime the head of JPRF leader Ron Kramer has resigned, at the reccommendation of SOU. Whether by JPRF, or another organization, the Holly is under restoration; and “Will” reopen in the next couple of years; for live-stage and films. I was in the Holly a couple of times this past few weeks and a lot of cleaning will need to be done; as well, years ago “all” seats were removed; so new seats will need to be added; as well as ADA needs. Don Kirk – Medford
Update this past week, the UofO Ashland board has voted against JPR owning theatres and says it should only own radio stations. This action could put an end this next week (when the Truss is finished being repaired) to all restoration efforts by JPR to the theatre. The nonprofit I work for had considered purchasing the Holly before JPR did; but was told by the city that a parking solution to about 300 vehicles would need to be overcame. I think the city exempted JPR from the 300 parking space need (and why did they tell us we HAD to have the 300 spaces?). If the board’s actions hold, the Holly may again be up for sale; and we will again consider purchasing it (if parking and other things could be resolved). We use the same contractor that did the front of the Holly in recent months; so picking up steam again would not take long. Don Kirk – Medford/Redding
Again the Capitol is up for sale (June 2012). I’m International Media Manager for an international humanitarian & entertainment nonprofit.
In 2005 we tried to buy the Capitol; and the Garde blocked the sale, by saying (to a CA property owner) they wanted to buy the building and land of a theatre we just opened in Dunsmuir, CA.
Learning that the Capitol is again for sale, I have contacted my boss to see if funds are available for us to finally acquire the Capitol.
There are a few major problems that would have to be adressed 1) Asbestos 2) Back Entrance 3) restoring artwork 4) any roof repair work the city didn’t do 5) adding 1 or 2 elevators, plus electrical, plumbing, ADA Restrooms, etc. I cannot find any pictures of it with a marquee. I did have interior pic’s the city sent; but they were wiped out when my hard-drive crashed. I’m in Medford, Oregon at the moment; but we have an assistant to the CEO near New London. If my boss allows us to get the Capitol, we’ll need a lot of volunteers to help get the place in shape. If we don’t, it will cost a few $ million more than we probably can come up with. A lot of the high cost, is high dollar paid construction labor. We will gladly give regular volunteers some free admissions to events at the Capitol (again, we have to get it first). my emil is If anyone has any of those interior pic’s (when in use, or in need of restoration), please forward them to me. Thanks! Don
We are also having trouble contacting the owner of the Capitol Theatre in New London, CT. It was bought from the city for $1. Plus back $20,000. property taxes; with the agreement to restore the theatre (over 1700 seating capacity). The 2 owners there have also done nothing; and refuse to answer inquiries from anyone including the city. We want both of these thetres (and the Hotel Marysville); and will keep working to acquire all of these. With a 90' wide stage, we could produce any type of show. We’d love to bring the current version of Lord Of The Dance and other show of that calliber to Marysville’s State Theatre.
We looked into purchasing the theatre 2 years ago and the owner said he wants to sell the whole shopping center; as it’s all parcel. Anyone have $15 million?
Since my last posting, I have called and attempted to talk with Mr. Benny; but get only voicemail and no reply (to our buying the State for a live stage venue). I have also talked to and emailed Mr. Lamon about acquiring both the State and the Marysville Hotel. I’m currently in Medford, OR, working to acquire several buildings and land to open Phase I, of the new Medford Convention & Exposition Center; which we hope to open in the spring of 2012. After that, we will again attempt to purchase these two Marysville landmarks.
Between 2003 and 2005 a partner and I restored the California Theatre in Dunsmuir, CA; and reopened it as a live stage venue and special movies.
She and I could not get along once it opened (she booked only live kids shows & movies) and I bailed.
I would love to take over the restoration and reopening of the State (especially with 1667 seats) and bring big name acts to the theatre (Bill Medley, BS&T, etc.). I would gladly head-up and manage a $ multi-million restoration of the theatre, holding events and using volunteers, to cut those $ millions way down.
If any of you would be willing to work with me on this project, please contact me; and we’ll see if we can’t get the City and Owners together, to agree to a restoration & our operating the State.
Don Kirk