The Observation Deck

Whichever direction it goes it is clear that the Hilliard Theater is prime real estate that needs a solution. If parking has always been the stumbling block then an idea is needed that does not rely on parking. At least for phase one of the project until cash flow can be secured and justify an expense like buying out a neighboring business (Silver coast or any of the shops across Hilliard) in order to level it for parking. The opportunity has been sitting there for 20+ years and from what I've heard has always stalled on this issue of parking, so look at it another way.
Want a theater and you don't have space for parking, spend your money on a shuttle that picks up Lakewood residents at home and takes them back afterwards. There's a concept that doesn't require parking and offers a unique service. Contract with Italian Creations and make it a dinner and a show club.

Frankly, with or without parking there is no hope of this place ever being a viable movie theater again.

The youth center idea is nice, but I don't know who would pay for it.

The ideal scenario would be to develop and/or find a theater company to do live theater. The Cleveland Public Theater at Gordon Square is a nice role model.

However, I don't know if there is company of the right size, and the parking issue still needs to be addressed.

Shawn Juris wrote:Whichever direction it goes it is clear that the Hilliard Theater is prime real estate that needs a solution. If parking has always been the stumbling block then an idea is needed that does not rely on parking. At least for phase one of the project until cash flow can be secured and justify an expense like buying out a neighboring business (Silver coast or any of the shops across Hilliard) in order to level it for parking. The opportunity has been sitting there for 20+ years and from what I've heard has always stalled on this issue of parking, so look at it another way.
Want a theater and you don't have space for parking, spend your money on a shuttle that picks up Lakewood residents at home and takes them back afterwards. There's a concept that doesn't require parking and offers a unique service. Contract with Italian Creations and make it a dinner and a show club.

We had a couple of nights of over 400 people with out parking...

Observers,

I too am intrigued by the potential of the Hilliard Theater and as a result have been working with Planning Director Tom Jordan to have an assessment completed as to whether or not the theater could possibly be restored.

Tom contacted some individuals with Playhouse Square expertise and they actually toured the building.

I must admit I was pleasantly surprised when the analysis came back that said the Hilliard was a "C+", that the theater was in neglected condition, but theaters in worse condition have been beautifully restored.

Based on that potential, just last month Tom Jordan attended a seminar in Cincinnati related solely to historic theater restoration.

He has some ideas gleaned from the workshop and he and I have been planning the next steps in the process.

As pointed out, several factors need to be considered, one certainly being the lack of parking, the other, obviously, financing.

I remember in the 60s the Staleys operated the theater. Chuck Staley was also very involved with the then Lakewood Little Theater.

On occasion, a gang of us Horace Mann guys who went to school with Chuck's son would help clean the theater on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

Being very familiar with the theater, it has a large balcony, orchestra pit, dressing rooms and a beautiful art deco lobby.

If the years of neglect haven't permanently damaged it, it seems there is potential.

If the next assessment shows we can proceed, there is a great deal of public input and participation that would be essential to a restored Hilliard Theater.

Stay tuned.

TJG

We had inquired about purchasing the Hilliard, I think sometime in the mid to late 70s, but whoever was the owner at that time, showed us a mess that looked like it would take a large fortune to get it redone and going.

I would think it could be a great project if enough interest was drummed up to get it functional. The stage was, as I remember, perfect for live performances, and the whole theater seems to be a goldmine lying in wait to be re-found.

Mark Allan Crnolatas

I also talked to the owner a while back. He seemed pretty much at a loss on how to proceed.

I'm so glad that there is interest in the Hilliard Theater. I think it is a beautiful facility and could very well be one of the seven wonders of Lakewood.

Anyone remember the 'Rocky Horror Picture Show" Damn it, Janet.

Ed - Good Idea

How about Beachland Ballroom West?

Most residents love the hip, alternative feel Lakewood has. That's why they choose to live here. The Beachland, in he Collinwood neighborhood, has sparked a neighborhood revival, has become an area anchor, is a good business, and has killer shows. How about a movie house/small concert hall?

Dan Shields

With renovation, the Hilliard could not only show movies, but also bring stage shows. As a musician/performer myself, I'd love to see it reborn and do a series of shows there. I know many other musicians that would be excited to perform there. We could have semi-name and name acts. Ahh, the possiblities are endless.

As far as movies go, even with the parking replaced by Silver Coast, I remember going to several of the last movies when it was the "Westwood". , and it had near to full houses.

Many of the people used to go there for a movie, then the restaurants within a block or two. I remember having the best french fries and onion rings, but do not remember who had them. It was within a 5 minute or less walk from the "Westwood" tho'.

Mark Allan Crnolatas

I have some recent pictures that were taken inside the Hilliard Theater. I will post them on my photoblog. When I get them up I will let you know.

Rhonda Loje

Mark Crnolatas wrote:With renovation, the Hilliard could not only show movies, but also bring stage shows. As a musician/performer myself, I'd love to see it reborn and do a series of shows there. I know many other musicians that would be excited to perform there. We could have semi-name and name acts. Ahh, the possiblities are endless.

As far as movies go, even with the parking replaced by Silver Coast, I remember going to several of the last movies when it was the "Westwood". , and it had near to full houses.

Many of the people used to go there for a movie, then the restaurants within a block or two. I remember having the best french fries and onion rings, but do not remember who had them. It was within a 5 minute or less walk from the "Westwood" tho'.

Mark Allan Crnolatas

There are dressing rooms at the Westwood Theatre aka Hilliard Square.. (they are behind the stage)

This ran last summer.

There are absolutely problems with the size of the house and depth of the stage as it is now, but the coincidence of interest in this building and Beck Center's facilities quandry is too much to ignore.

http://www.freetimes.com/stories/14/27/landmark-choice

Paste it in yr browser if it doesn't work to click.

The dressing rooms are actually underneath the stage.

My husband took these photos last year. We are both very interested in saving this historic theater.

See his photos on my photoblog: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/ ... ter-photos

Rhonda Loje

michael gill wrote:The dressing rooms are actually underneath the stage.

sorry.. It has been over 20 years since my buddy and I attempted to turn it back into a family theatre..

Wow, I just got through viewing your pics.. The theatre has definitely taken a turn for the worst... I know that when we leased the theatre. It was not in that condition.. Sad