Beck Center movement: NOT a rumor!

[Phil Florian]

I think regardess of whether or not the Beck as an entity (not as a building) leaves Lakewood, the space it is in now needs to be either gutted and fixed up or replaced. Having worked in it and know others that do for a living, it is the hodge-podge that they claim it is and in need of some serious upgrading. This is regardless of whether or not you want to make a Regional theater or maintain a quality community theater. Someone (as Joan calls, "angels") needs to take that space under their wing and nurse it back to health, whatever that looks like. I don't fault Beck for thinking the same way but I do for their other justifications (as discussed above, the desire to change their model and mission).

I am not quite ready to throw the baby out with the bathwater as Jim is, though. I think his ideas for doing a new theater is grand but I think the reality of pulling together a show people want to pay for again and again is more difficult that his listed steps. (#1 Do a show in a month, #2 profit! ). Having worked in theater (and married to someone who still does work in theater) it is rarely that easy, though. Losing the Beck means losing a LOT of built-in mechanisms to get shows up and running. Starting that from scratch will be a tough road but a worthy one if taken up. I think envisioning a space, as Jim noted, that combines entertainments is going to be important. Places that offer easy access to shows, parking, food, booze, and so on will be a great way to make a destination spot in Lakewood. It would be nice to see a theater lead off more local events like the Arts Festival (why isn't the Current Beck one end of that street fair?? Is it??), more with the 4th of July parade (why can't we be HALF as creative as Parade the Circle??), and so on.

One voice I haven't heard from is the schools. Doesn't Lakewood City Schools have a relationship with The Beck?

[Jim O'Bryan]

I am not quite ready to throw the baby out with the bathwater as Jim is, though. I think his ideas for doing a new theater is grand but I think the reality of pulling together a show people want to pay for again and again is more difficult that his listed steps. (#1 Do a show in a month, #2 profit! ). Having worked in theater (and married to someone who still does work in theater) it is rarely that easy...

Phil

Did it twice in Cleveland and once in Lakewood. It is really not that hard, though you are right it will take some effort and hard work. but hard work has never killed anyone and generally leaves you stronger for the effort.

Of course if you do it as a non-profit it becomes nearly impossible.

I am not throwing out the bath water or the baby. My family, myself and The Lakewood Observer were solid supporters of the Lakewood Little Theater and the Beck. I just think that we now have a sensible direction to go, start again, from what is now a very solid base. In five years that base is not one iota more solid. If we start now, in 5 years we can develop real street credibility.

I believe you and I are on the same page.


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[dl meckes]

Producing a play is far different than hiring bands to play at a venue.

The two things are polar opposites unless you are talking about hosting national touring compaines, and that opens a case of new worms.

[John Farina]

Hello All - It is great to see such a lively discussion about the Beck Center. We really appreciate the support of so many in the community and want you to know more about what is happening.

No one should rush to any conclusions. It's unfortunate to see that some have already sent us packing without knowing the full story. There are many on the Beck board and staff who are committed to Lakewood. And there are those who would like to explore other options - including Crocker Park.

In the coming days you will continue to see more and more information about what is going on with the Beck.

Just for the record, no formal decisions have been made to do anything yet. Let me repeat that - no formal decision has been made to do anything. All we are doing is exploring what options are best for the future of our organization. Our three buildings operate very inefficiently and we need to do something. That includes discussion on staying put in a new building or possibly moving. There are pros and cons to both. Certainly the support we receive from the Lakewood community - or the support we may or may not receive from a new community - is a serious consideration.

As far as our financial situation goes, even though we aren't rolling in cash (what non-profit is?), we aren't in danger of closing our doors either. We're stable and will be around for the long haul. We own all of our property, including the Armory. Our shows are doing well, as is our educational programming. We're a non-profit, we count on the support of others to make up the difference between expenses and revenues.

On another note, Cecil Yates is a developer who approached us to discuss building on our property - including a new Beck Center - he has ideas and we listened, as we have with anyone else that has approached us. And as the Plain Dealer and Free Times have already noted, we were approached by Bob Stark, another developer, to consider a move to Crocker Park. As a non-profit, we must do our due diligence to consider every option. It's nice to be in such demand. We are meeting with everyone we can to ensure we do the best thing for the future of the Beck and the community we will reside in. We will also have community meetings as we move forward. It was obvious from the success of the schools development efforts that the community needs to be involved in this discussion.

And finally, for the person who likes a glass of wine with their show, we do have a liquor license and our bar is open for every show.

Stay tuned and feel free to contact us with any questions. Our management team and board leadership are very willing to listen and discuss things with you.


John Farina
Director of Development
The Beck Center for the Arts
17801 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
216.521.2540 X242 - office
jfarina@beckcenter.org
www.beckcenter.org

[Jim O'Bryan]

As a non-profit, we must do our due diligence to consider every option. It's nice to be in such demand...
John Farina
Director of Development
The Beck Center for the Arts
17801 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
216.521.2540 X242 - office
jfarina@beckcenter.org
www.beckcenter.org

John

I think we all have to look at what is best for all of us right now with due diligence.

John you are part of Lakewood, you ran for council. How did that release to the Plain Dealer help build the Lakewood Brand? I predict that everyone associated with this will be seen for what they really are. Not friends of Lakewood. As I said, quiet talk is one thing, Front page tabloid stories is something completely difference. In my life when people offer ultimatums, it is best to let them go.

As for being in demand, to quote Asst. Planning Director Dryck Bennett from yesterday's Reality Conference. "The problem is not finding developer's it is finding space for them to develop."

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[Charyn Varkonyi]

I disagree.

I think that you are trying to assign a level of personal attack to this that is not appropriate to the situation - comparing the admission that they have been approached and are seeking to determine future solutions to adultery is just more emotional propaganda. Certainly a small paragraph at then end of a story on the arts is not a tabloid front page.

I, for one, would prefer that this be out in the open. That the comments be put on the record, that the issues be hashed out.

We cry when we don't know.. now we will cry when we know very near the first moment? That makes no sense to me.

John you are part of Lakewood, you ran for council. How did that release to the Plain Dealer help build the Lakewood Brand? I predict that everyone associated with this will be seen for what they really are. Not friends of Lakewood.

So if someone is thinking about coming to Lakewood we SHOULD want it public to build the brand, but if someone is considering moving we should not? Hmmm... Selective transparency?

If we want to "be the city that knows itself better than any other city" then I recommend full transparency... and instead of reacting in a negative, hostile way to full disclosure we should post thoughtful questions to determine the whys, hows, what-do-we-thinks, and what-do-we-dos' about a situation.

I think that it would be utterly irresponsible for ANY organization not to review all of the facts and details to determine the best solution for any given business problem. INCLUDING leaving Lakewood if that is the best way to further the mission of the business.

The level of rumor, innuendo, and the amount of disinformation that has been spread through this forum on this topic is disgraceful. And quite frankly, Jim, while you claim to be 'just a guy' you should really try to bear in mind that you ARE the publisher, you ARE in the spotlight, and what you say IS taken literally by many many people. When you engage in these discussions and further the half truths or the attacks it causes irreparable harm to the entity that you are attacking, as well as the Lakewood brand.

You may not have wanted to be Lakewood's poster child, but you are. And Lakewood will be much better served the sooner you realize that.

And John:

Thank you for clearing up the misconceptions - I sincerely think you will find that the majority of us in Lakewood are truly appreciative of your efforts and are more than ready to stand behind the Beck in whatever way necessary to help revitalize the center and keep it here in Lakewood.


Warm regards,
~Charyn

[Jim O'Bryan]

Charyn

I have been working on this story for over a year. I knew about Cecil Yates plan from the second issue of this paper. I know and like Cecil, he asked me to keep it quiet and I did. I knew about Stark in the mix from the day after the first time it was mentioned in the board meeting. I have asked the Beck Center to comment each and everytime a "rumor" passed over my desk. They had 6 months of doing this with transparency, but everytime it was, "We have no knowledge of that."

ON THE RECORD - I love the Beck Center, and from what I hear believe the offer is too good to pass up, and an offer that Lakewood could never match. I wish the Beck Center great luck in the future. They will be only ten minutes down the road. If I can travel that for Borders I can certainly go ten minutes for the Beck Center.

But I also have to be a realist. I have seen similar deals my whole life. One stalls while they wait for the other location to be prepared. Stalling is one thing, asking a cash strapped city to pay is something completely different. I have not one ill will towards the Beck, but my city and home will always come first.

It is only common sense.

Would you rather we pay for the roof, and spend hours trying to save something that is going leave? Do we spend our $250,000 ED Fund to save and build the Beck Brand so that Bob Stark can cash in?

Or does it make more sense to wish them well, and look to our city's future? This is no time for emotions, emotions always screw up business deals. Beck leaving is not the end of the world. To be honest it could be a fresh start for both of us, and that is a good thing.

I fault no one. Now we should be worrying about Lakewood.

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[Bill Call]

The Board of Directors of Beck Center are responsible for the economic health of Beck Center. If it becomes a more successful institution by moving to Westlake then that is where it should be located, if short term economics are all that matter.

The citizens of Lakewood have supported Beck Center for 75 years. While I think that the Beck Center has a moral obligation to return that loyalty and support, the directors obviously think differently.

If the decision is made to move the Beck Center to Westlake, the City of Lakewood should end any economic or logistical support for the Center.
Lakewood shouldn't have to pay for the privelege of losing an economic cornerstone of the City.

If the land is redeveloped the development should be one that serves the needs of the City and not just the developer. The City provided a lot of money and support for the Marc's shopping center and got a flawed and unimaginative facility. Hopefully the City won't make the same mistake at the soon to be vacant Beck Center.

[Joan Roberts]

Mr. Farina...

Thank you for your post. I hope you will continue to be active here as your schedule permits. I also hope your communiques will be frank and clear. Obviously, there's an issue of credibility here.

Mr. O....

I agree wholeheartedly with your view that once a spouse has decided to walk out the door, offering to do more cooking and cleaning is probably pointless. But Mr. Farina throws at least a bit of doubt as to whether the Beck has indeed decided to hit the road.

Clearly there are entities in town who are concerned with "building the Lakewood brand" (the Observer, the library, the administration, etc) and just as clearly, there are/were entities operating in Lakewood who really didn't have a vested interest as to whether the brand was built or not (Fairchild, Lakewood UCC).

It seems to me the Beck Center is in the process of deciding whether Lakewood is mission-critical or not. It obviously is determining whether it is fish or fowl, and my life experience tells me that's a particularly agonizing process for a non-profit, much more so than a for-profit business.

The danger, of course, is that the city (or its "angels"), could wind up investing MORE in a replacement for the Beck Center than they would working with the original entity.

Again, you wear your heart on your sleeve. And I can't get that danged green eyeshade off my forehead.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Mr. O....

I agree wholeheartedly with your view that once a spouse has decided to walk out the door, offering to do more cooking and cleaning is probably pointless. But Mr. Farina throws at least a bit of doubt as to whether the Beck has indeed decided to hit the road.

Clearly there are entities in town who are concerned with "building the Lakewood brand" (the Observer, the library, the administration, etc) and just as clearly, there are/were entities operating in Lakewood who really didn't have a vested interest as to whether the brand was built or not (Fairchild, Lakewood UCC).

It seems to me the Beck Center is in the process of deciding whether Lakewood is mission-critical or not. It obviously is determining whether it is fish or fowl, and my life experience tells me that's a particularly agonizing process for a non-profit, much more so than a for-profit business.

The danger, of course, is that the city (or its "angels"), could wind up investing MORE in a replacement for the Beck Center than they would working with the original entity.

Again, you wear your heart on your sleeve. And I can't get that danged green eyeshade off my forehead.

Joan

I have not spoken with John yet, but I did speak for some time with Mr. Unger and we have agreed to talk again Monday morning. There is one thing that I would like to temper from before.

I have no doubt, that both love Lakewood, and respect Lakewood and their residents. Mr Unger is placed in a very bad position that we see many get put in. It takes heart out of the equation, but doesn't change the facts. One of duties it to secure the long term viability of the Beck Center.

I believe Mr. Unger is a very good person.

I am willing to bet not one person in Lakewood wants the Beck Center to fail. But I fear, we must now consider all options.

Charyn

I would love to be wrong on this one. I understand and agree with your poster child comment. But it is a very thin wire I walk.



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[Jeff Endress]

I would love to be wrong on this one. I understand and agree with your poster child comment. But it is a very thin wire I walk.

and we all know the difficulty of walking a thin wire, even if we are small people....

Jeff

[Jeff Endress]

John

We own all of our property

I'm confused.....County records would seem to indicated that at least one parcel of the Beck compound is owned by the city. Is this just a parking area?

311-24-067, 1437 Wayne?

Not that it's an issue until someone tells us what's really going on, but it would be nice to know for the entirety of the picture.

Jeff

[Lynn Farris]

As for being in demand, to quote Asst. Planning Director Dryck Bennett from yesterday's Reality Conference. "The problem is not finding developer's it is finding space for them to develop."

I think we have recently seen some very creative great ideas here. We have Rookwood and Rosewood developing on vacant car lots - I think that is super and I commend them.

Foran group is buying 2 homes and developing on a under utilized hillside of the river.

Savannah has suggested using reclaimed land for a large 26 acre pennisula in Lake Erie.

We have innovative people working in Lakewood that want to make it better.

I do appreciate John coming forward and adding to the discussion. I think the Beck Center is one of Lakewood's greatest assets. My children took classes there as did I. We have attended many shows as a family.

I'm a little confused as to who exactly owns the Beck Center? Is there any reason why the Beck Center can't expand and have two sites? Surely the students who attend here wouldn't want to go out to Crocker Park and visa versa. And while people will go futher for plays - can't we have two theatres - the area will support it. I know the Beck Center has had teachers from the Cleveland Institute of Art teach classes there. I would like to see this turn into a win win situation. I think Beck center should remain here and I see no reason why a satellite branch couldn't be at Crocker Park as well.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Lynn

Some interesting ideas. The double campus sounds perfect but it would always put me on edge. One part of the Visionary Alignment was Café Universities. During the discussion it became obvious that one school was more interested in just keeping the other one out of their area, and sounded willing to commit. But I always wondered what their commitment would be. Would they be 100% satellite campus or use the building for storage of old desks and lockers?

I would consider this only if there were some hard and fast contracts covering what is/was offered.

Mr. Unger did not close the door on what if WE (Lakewood, Beck and residents) could raise $25 million dollars. Then maybe...

But it is hard to get excited about a project when the group has one foot in Westlake and one hears the bags being packed. It reminded me of the Browns' saying you built stuff for everyone else now it's my turn. Certainly the Browns had every reason to ask and want a new stadium, but the timing was way off on what the city could afford. Had they merely asked for them to be considered next, they would have probably gotten a stadium. But throwing out the ultimatum along with the public courting of Baltimore rightly rubbed people the wrong way. 5 years later Cleveland built the stadium and we once again like the Beck had a semi-professional football team.

My challenge to the Beck is "Can you wait and work with the city 100%?" Are you willing to be part of the revitalization and growth going on? Could you actually make do with what you have, sign a long term commitment to Lakewood and our renaissance as we have done to yours? Can you help us attract large corporate investors, sponsors and residents to this city? Is the marriage over over or was it just a tawdry make-out session just so you could feel sexy again at the age of 75?

I know that the mayor is committed to keeping the Beck in Lakewood, but we all know Lakewood's money is tight. I think all the residents would like to keep the Beck here the only question is at what price. OK John, and Mr Unger, you claim you like Lakewood and want to STAY in Lakewood. Publicly walk away from the Crocker Park deal, sign a long term commitment, take the same chance on us we took on you, and maybe we can rebuild the magic we once saw in each other.

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[John Farina]

Jeff - The property you are referring to is the city's Sign Shop, which is directly behind the Armory.