I have passed this place probably fifty times over the years. I couldn’t resist stopping to take a look today on my way down Clark St. Most everything is still there. If someone had good reason, this could certainly become a great theatrical space again.
What about this quote from ken mc’s post of Mar 4, 2006:
For years, the Strand Theater, located in Upham’s Corner in Dorchester, has been plagued by mismanagement and a deteriorating building. Earlier this month, for instance, a performance of the Urban Nutcracker was temporarily suspended for 20 minutes because of a power outage. Nearby parking is all but impossible to find and the designated lot at the Sovereign bank across the street is not legal for theatergoers. On one Sunday afternoon performance of the Nutcracker, at least ten cars were towed from the bank lot, according to several theatergoers.
That might have been a plus in the middle of the twentieth century. But I don’t want to walk fifteen minutes to get to a show. I want to drive my car into a parking structure and walk across the street. If people are going to use rapid transit I think the walk from station to theatre better be more like one minute. I am sure there are isolated incidents where this proximity would be a plus. But I am guessing that most people share my sentiment.
What this place needs most (aside from necessary stabilization work) is a parking garage.
I don’t know. The Evanston is a huge piece of North Shore history but really had become a pit at the end. I must admit that I like the new Century too. I just hope they don’t build something completely out of place with the landscape.
I am not a theatre owner. My background comes from the fact that I am related to architects who made their living designing theatres in the 20’s. You mentioned Chicago’s Uptown, which happens to be one of them. I have been surrounded by the business since I was a little kid. I wouldn’t say that I know all that much. But I enjoy Cinema Treasures because it is an outlet for the information I have built up over the years. Hopefully it is useful to someone out there.
Good luck with your project. You will succeed if you work hard and keep it real. It is a tough business. But then all business is tough business in one way or another.
It is a bummer. But what is to be done with a movie palace in the middle of the ghetto? The one that was restored (Avalon) is now shuttered again. Future uncertain.
I wonder about the last words of the opening write-up. Don’t get me wrong. This place was a fabulous building. But I wonder if anyone living out in Garfield Park today remembers this place.
Here is a small news flash: they removed some more of the false front from the Riviera’s office and retail block. It also looks like there are work lights inside the building. The Uptown Broadway building across the street is also being worked on. Condos I suppose? Noticed this all on my way home tonight.
Question for someone regarding atmospheric theatres: back in the day did they leave the stars and decorative lights on all the way through the show? Some of the restored atmospheric theatres I have visited in the modern era turn all of that stuff off just before the show begins. Actually the same goes for restored hard top theatres. I have been to shows where the colored lighting is totally turned off as the curtain opens. Is this the way it was in the glory days or did they turn the lights down to something less distracting, like blue? What was the standard practice? And how did that change during the years of decline (50’s onward)?
From what I gather the owner really likes his theatre. So I imagine he keeps the roof in good repair and heats it enough to keep the interior from declining.
That United Artists vertical sign is crazy. I wonder how much it cost to run it for a night? It is certainly a testament to how profitable these places were in their prime.
Holy Toledo.
That is extremely advanced roof damage. Except for the exterior, it does not look like there is much to save at this point Gregory.
We will see. It would not surprise me if the building sat for another two years after they finish.
I have passed this place probably fifty times over the years. I couldn’t resist stopping to take a look today on my way down Clark St. Most everything is still there. If someone had good reason, this could certainly become a great theatrical space again.
What about this quote from ken mc’s post of Mar 4, 2006:
For years, the Strand Theater, located in Upham’s Corner in Dorchester, has been plagued by mismanagement and a deteriorating building. Earlier this month, for instance, a performance of the Urban Nutcracker was temporarily suspended for 20 minutes because of a power outage. Nearby parking is all but impossible to find and the designated lot at the Sovereign bank across the street is not legal for theatergoers. On one Sunday afternoon performance of the Nutcracker, at least ten cars were towed from the bank lot, according to several theatergoers.
That might have been a plus in the middle of the twentieth century. But I don’t want to walk fifteen minutes to get to a show. I want to drive my car into a parking structure and walk across the street. If people are going to use rapid transit I think the walk from station to theatre better be more like one minute. I am sure there are isolated incidents where this proximity would be a plus. But I am guessing that most people share my sentiment.
What this place needs most (aside from necessary stabilization work) is a parking garage.
I don’t know. The Evanston is a huge piece of North Shore history but really had become a pit at the end. I must admit that I like the new Century too. I just hope they don’t build something completely out of place with the landscape.
My grandfather was last to operate the firm, closing it upon his retirement in the 60’s. My mother and two uncles all opted for other paths in life.
I am not a theatre owner. My background comes from the fact that I am related to architects who made their living designing theatres in the 20’s. You mentioned Chicago’s Uptown, which happens to be one of them. I have been surrounded by the business since I was a little kid. I wouldn’t say that I know all that much. But I enjoy Cinema Treasures because it is an outlet for the information I have built up over the years. Hopefully it is useful to someone out there.
Good luck with your project. You will succeed if you work hard and keep it real. It is a tough business. But then all business is tough business in one way or another.
It is a bummer. But what is to be done with a movie palace in the middle of the ghetto? The one that was restored (Avalon) is now shuttered again. Future uncertain.
I wonder about the last words of the opening write-up. Don’t get me wrong. This place was a fabulous building. But I wonder if anyone living out in Garfield Park today remembers this place.
Satellite image seems to suggest some sort of industrial use for the property currently:
View link
I wonder if they excavated the basement when the supermarket was removed.
This place rules.
Sweet:
View link
Sweet:
View link
Lost Memory’s photo gallery above includes a picture of the entire roof sign.
It is sweet.
And I never picked up on the fact that this place has 5,000 seats!!!
Holy Moses!!!
Hey SNWEB, dig this:
View link
Here is a small news flash: they removed some more of the false front from the Riviera’s office and retail block. It also looks like there are work lights inside the building. The Uptown Broadway building across the street is also being worked on. Condos I suppose? Noticed this all on my way home tonight.
Question for someone regarding atmospheric theatres: back in the day did they leave the stars and decorative lights on all the way through the show? Some of the restored atmospheric theatres I have visited in the modern era turn all of that stuff off just before the show begins. Actually the same goes for restored hard top theatres. I have been to shows where the colored lighting is totally turned off as the curtain opens. Is this the way it was in the glory days or did they turn the lights down to something less distracting, like blue? What was the standard practice? And how did that change during the years of decline (50’s onward)?
It looks fake Geo, like it is on Main Street at Disneyworld.
From what I gather the owner really likes his theatre. So I imagine he keeps the roof in good repair and heats it enough to keep the interior from declining.
That United Artists vertical sign is crazy. I wonder how much it cost to run it for a night? It is certainly a testament to how profitable these places were in their prime.
Regarding aerial photo above:
Looks like the State and Saenger have brand new roofing. Looks like the Joy and the Orpheum are still waiting for assistance.
Very cool the way they are placing marketing materials above the marquee and box office as in the old days.
Wow. They even put back the fake foliage and birds. Nicely done!
Nice one Robert.