Towne Cinema
106 N. Avondale Road,
Avondale Estates,
GA
30002
106 N. Avondale Road,
Avondale Estates,
GA
30002
No one has favorited this theater yet
Showing 15 comments
Closed sometime in 2018, website now dating spam.
This opened on November 30th, 1966. Grand opening ad in the photo section.
This needs to be updated to “Open” Towne Cinema
Hi my name is Tony Longval. I am renovating the Avondale Towne Cinema and I was hoping someone on this thread could give me some history of the building. I am really looking for photos of the inside that show the balcony and other photos that are not online. My goal is to restore it to was close as it was built in 1938. I am also looking for more history on what went on in the building.
I have some of the history below: 1924 Was the Post Office and City Hall for Avondale 1938 Was converted to a theater 1966 George Ellis Managed it and showed art films 1970’s Jim Whaley – Cinema Showcase – showed movies Late 70’s J & S Recording Studio – do not know anything about this 1983 – You Tube videos show it as a punk club – have no information 1987-1993 David and Eva Wiley – ran a Rock Club 1998 – 2008 Nickel and Dime Recording Studio – very familiar with this
Thank You
If you wood like to contact me directly here is my information (404) 323-4199
This is what I’m trying to do there now: www.avondaleplayhouse.com . .please pass the word along!
I recently saw an ad on Atlanta Craigslist for leasing this theater. They want $3000 mo / 7500ft².
I worked there as a kid when the host of WPBS show CINEMA SHOWCASE and CREATIVE LOAFING film critic JIM WHALEY reopened and managed it. Unfortunately, the projection was not what it should have been. The film he launched the re-opening was OLIVER! Later I remember seeing both DOCTOR DOLITTLE there and CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG.
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit
The 1961 photo has moved here: View link
Here is a photo from 1961, when the theatre was apparently called the Avon: View link
See The Avondale Theatre listed in paper here.
View link
Here is a older photo.
View link
Here is a picture.
View link
Yes, the Towne Cinema was originally the Avondale Theater. Around 1966, the Avondale Theater came under the management of the late George Ellis. He altered the name and instituted a policy of art films and revivals. Prior to that time, the Avondale Theater had become run down and had a poor reputation.
Although Avondale Estates and the City of Decatur (which was incorporated as a city before Atlanta) bordered each other in DeKalb County, they were seperate and distinct communities. Their respective high schools were arch rivals.
As nearly as I can tell, this theater ceased operation sometimes in the 1970’s
I’ll say it’s about 98% certain that they are one and the same. Avondale Estates, which is theoretically Decatur, is relatively small, both geographically and demographically, and not well suited for more than one theatre. Also although there currently is no Main St listed in Avondale Estates, it is possible that Avondale Rd was at one point Main St.
Editions of Film Daily Yearbook that I have 1941-1950 list an Avondale Theatre, Main Street, Avondale Estates, GA with a seating capacity of 600. Could this be the Towne Theatre?