Below is Elaine Savoldi’s reply to me in regards to the Granada Theatre. Elaine is based in Beaver Falls PA which is about 20 minutes from Beaver PA where the Granada was located.
Dear Patsy,
I am also saddened by the scheduled and certain demise of the Granada Theatre. I had the property listed for a time and that is why I put the information on Cinema Treasures, in the hopes that someone who would be able/willing to restore the theatre would discover it. I went so far as to send packets of information on the theatre with someone who attended a theatre convention in Las Vegas.
What also hurts is that my company, Town Center Associates, is heavily involved in downtown revitalization. Indeed, the Granada was on the waiting list to be put on the National Register of Historic Places, but none of the owners, nor the community, stepped forward to make sure that this very rare atmospheric theatre would be preserved. Restoring a theatre is an effort that needs community support.
I am not sure how I can help you because the process has already been started and I doubt can be reversed. Perhaps you could seek out other theatres in the country that still have a chance at being saved, and place your efforts there.
I recently visited this new theatre in this quaint college town. Davidson NC used to have an old theatre, but it burned and now many years later the community, once again, as a first run movie house! Congrats!!
I read on the Dattola website that the re-opening is projected for May 15, 2010. I hope to be there and that many others can keep that date open as well though it is a “projected” date. It would be a great way to meet…wear a Cinema Treasures name tag with your screen name on it!
norelco: The above Boxoffice link features the obituary for Mr. Zimmerman! Amazing that you were there that very night. Please share the ghost story you told with me in a recent email…not sure what theatre it was though. Thanks.
If your or any town is lucky enough to still have a DeAngelis designed theatre, it is worth saving even if the theatre has been altered in a big way or in a small way though small alterations are better and easier to correct!
Denpiano: Please tell us your memories of going to Wanamakers in Philly to hear that organ. I understand the dept. store is gone now, but folks can still hear the organ. Is that true?
eileenp: Blatt Bros was associated with the Corry Drive-In in Corry PA as the name is still on the back of the tall screen.
saving winter garden: Thanks for the kind words, but old theatres are truly in my blood and I want to see them all saved!
Ditto!
Opps! Life without Cinema Treasures? Can’t imagine!
Congratulations! Life with Cinema Treasures? Can’t imagine!
Below is Elaine Savoldi’s reply to me in regards to the Granada Theatre. Elaine is based in Beaver Falls PA which is about 20 minutes from Beaver PA where the Granada was located.
Dear Patsy,
I am also saddened by the scheduled and certain demise of the Granada Theatre. I had the property listed for a time and that is why I put the information on Cinema Treasures, in the hopes that someone who would be able/willing to restore the theatre would discover it. I went so far as to send packets of information on the theatre with someone who attended a theatre convention in Las Vegas.
What also hurts is that my company, Town Center Associates, is heavily involved in downtown revitalization. Indeed, the Granada was on the waiting list to be put on the National Register of Historic Places, but none of the owners, nor the community, stepped forward to make sure that this very rare atmospheric theatre would be preserved. Restoring a theatre is an effort that needs community support.
I am not sure how I can help you because the process has already been started and I doubt can be reversed. Perhaps you could seek out other theatres in the country that still have a chance at being saved, and place your efforts there.
Sincerely,
Elaine Savoldi
Life’s too short: Yesn and long time no see on CT!
Sorry to learn that this Princess in Nashville and one in Memphis were demolished yet the Princess in Harriman is being restored by a local actor!
The stone facade on this theatre is truly amazing and very unique!
I can’t believe that a theatre in, of all places, Gatlinburg TN is not open as this mountain community is a major tourist area!
tisloews: I was told that it is a community west of KNOXVILLE. And when you find the town and the theatre do report back! Thanks!
I recently visited this new theatre in this quaint college town. Davidson NC used to have an old theatre, but it burned and now many years later the community, once again, as a first run movie house! Congrats!!
It sure helps when a movie actor lives in the area and shows interest in the local theatre and its renovation! Congrats!!!
Great…may the # continue to grow by leaps and bounds!
I see there are 12 signatures on the petition….let’s reach for 1,000 signatures in the new year and make it a Happy Winter Garden New Year!
I read on the Dattola website that the re-opening is projected for May 15, 2010. I hope to be there and that many others can keep that date open as well though it is a “projected” date. It would be a great way to meet…wear a Cinema Treasures name tag with your screen name on it!
norelco: Thanks! Quite the story and may Whitey rest in peace!
norelco: The above Boxoffice link features the obituary for Mr. Zimmerman! Amazing that you were there that very night. Please share the ghost story you told with me in a recent email…not sure what theatre it was though. Thanks.
Chuck: I agree…a great site with interesting history that I just read and digested..thank you Bart Dattola!
If your or any town is lucky enough to still have a DeAngelis designed theatre, it is worth saving even if the theatre has been altered in a big way or in a small way though small alterations are better and easier to correct!
I’m a big fan of DeAngelis designed theatres so am always interested in anyone’s photos! Thanks.
jeffreyt: I’m interesting in seeing photos @ Thanks!!!!!!
Denpiano: Please tell us your memories of going to Wanamakers in Philly to hear that organ. I understand the dept. store is gone now, but folks can still hear the organ. Is that true?
Mike: Thanks..will check it out online and perhaps a drive there.
Joe: Thanks for the DeAngelis information!!