The Observation Deck

The Hillard Theater deconstruction started today without the same bravado and fanfare as
the deconstruction of the Detroit Theater. The Hillard/Westwood (Art) Theater has been a
long standing theater since the days of vaudeville.

The City of Lakewood took over the building when the current owner could not afford to keep
it up or even solid and safe. The City of Lakewood stepped in to pay for the demolition and
put a lien on the property.

While it is painful to see this theater go if for no other reason that the nostalgia of "Midnight
Movies," "The Stewardesses In 3-D," "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "King of Hearts,"
"Deep Throat," and "Behind the Green Door." It was nearly impossible to save, and with
no parking had become a dead zone on the block.

This could open the area for all sorts of developments, our hope is to see Italian Creations
enlarge and get some parking!

Stay tuned, more coming.

.

I agree on the Italian Creations comment. I would like for them to become a full service restaurant. Their Lasagna is yummy

I'm remembering walking home from Calvary pre school with my two little girls, looking up and marveling over the monsters -- gargoyles -- and angels carved in stone over the front entrance. We always talked about why a building-- a theater-- would need the protection of both. A lot of dreams coming to life in there. Even the Rocky Horror Picture show.

It is sad to see it go. It wasn't -- obviously-- worth the time and attention of anyone --any group any city county or state-- to find a 21st century identity for it. The Silver Quill apartments or whatever they're called would have made a great parking lot.

Rather than see the gargoyles and angels shattered on the ground we'll take Detroit to Riverside to Hilliard for awhile.

Betsy Voinovich

Well, in honor of Lakewood becoming just a little more ordinary today, I thought I'd post this song. (Again.) Let me make it clear-- I did not lift a finger to stop this from happening-- apart from asking Ian Andrews (who I think is a wonderful person) about how they saved theaters in Cleveland when he worked there.

Betsy Voinovich