The Observation Deck

First of all, this has nothing to do with any political campaigns.

I recently met with Bob Dobush, who is the owner of the Hilliard Theatre. Bob's an interesting guy, and has a passion for old theatres and acoustics. He bought this theatre because he wanted to save it from the wrecking ball, and that's still his goal.

He took me on a tour of the facility, which was fascinating. It needs a ton of work, and Bob is trying to just maintain it as best he can. He does alot of the maintenance himself, and lives there off and on.

We discussed whether there might be any community support for at least a partial renovation of the facility. I said I would start asking around, maybe float the idea of a community group "adopting" the facility.

Bob would appreciate any feedback, and I would be happy to put you in direct touch with him.

Thanks.

Ed FitzGerald wrote:Bob would appreciate any feedback, and I would be happy to put you in direct touch with him.

Thanks.

Ed

Tell Bob to buy back the Silver Coast that was sold by the theater at one time. With no parking all hope of viability went out the window.

He should fix the roof and stop patching it as well.

This would be one of three theaters for sale in Lakewood I believe and have not spoken with the owners of the Detroit in last couple years. Might be one of four!

Thanks for posting.

FWIW


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As this is down the street from me, this would be a dream come true. Count me in as someone very interested. But also, Jim is correct. Without parking, there is no hope of the theater being able to gather the needed audience to make it work. I would also like to see the Silver Coast go away and parking returned to that end of Madison. I think it would help the area, not just that theater.

I would be interested in helping and learning more about this old theater and it's renovations.

-Rob Burgoyne

Any chance of part of this renovation serving as a "youth center" for the time being. Kids don't need as much parking as us adults. Busy intersection and there may need to be some safety issues addressed but just a thought.

Shawn Juris wrote:Any chance of part of this renovation serving as a "youth center" for the time being. Kids don't need as much parking as us adults. Busy intersection and there may need to be some safety issues addressed but just a thought.

Shawn


Good idea.

If not there what about one of the old schools with a gymnasium?



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Back in the late 80's, a friend and I tried to make the Hilliard Theatre into a family theatre. Had I not been so young and inexperienced in the business world. I think it might have worked out..

I remember painting every seat in the theatre and the floor. We fixed the ac, the old projectors and much more but that was over 20 years ago.

Stephen Eisel wrote:I remember painting every seat in the theatre and the floor. We fixed the ac, the old projectors and much more but that was over 20 years ago.

If you do not mind me asking, what happened?


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Jim O'Bryan wrote:

Stephen Eisel wrote:I remember painting every seat in the theatre and the floor. We fixed the ac, the old projectors and much more but that was over 20 years ago.

If you do not mind me asking, what happened?


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We did it on a shoe string budget.. We gave up to soon.. I would blame it on our age and giving up to soon. We definitely had cash flow (not always positive) ... Even with out parking, people still came..

Stephen Eisel wrote:

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

Stephen Eisel wrote:I remember painting every seat in the theatre and the floor. We fixed the ac, the old projectors and much more but that was over 20 years ago.

If you do not mind me asking, what happened?


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We did it on a shoe string budget.. We gave up to soon.. I would blame it on our age and giving up to soon. We definitely had cash flow (not always positive) ... Even with out parking, people still came..

Same owner as now?


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Jim O'Bryan wrote:

Stephen Eisel wrote:

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

Stephen Eisel wrote:I remember painting every seat in the theatre and the floor. We fixed the ac, the old projectors and much more but that was over 20 years ago.

If you do not mind me asking, what happened?


.

We did it on a shoe string budget.. We gave up to soon.. I would blame it on our age and giving up to soon. We definitely had cash flow (not always positive) ... Even with out parking, people still came..

Same owner as now?


.

I do not remember..

What exactly is a "family theatre"? Do you mean first run films, or something else?

According to neighborhood legend, for a short time it was a art film theater, and at another time it was a porno theater. It sounds like your family theater project was the last time the theater was actually used.

Also, about how many seats are in there?

Stephen Eisel wrote:I remember painting every seat in the theatre and the floor. We fixed the ac, the old projectors and much more but that was over 20 years ago.

And you did a wonderful job. The theater was beautiful.

I posted this a while back. It's the theater in the town of friends of ours in England. Post renovation, this theater has evolved into a great point of pride for the entire community. They have three children and really enjoy the matinees.

http://www.therexcinema.com/therex/home/home.asp

Whatever happened to any of the development ideas centered on the Hilliard Triangle? When I was on the board of LCCC we had received notice that the property was part of a potential redevelopment scheme.

Mike Deneen wrote:What exactly is a "family theatre"? Do you mean first run films, or something else?

According to neighborhood legend, for a short time it was a art film theater, and at another time it was a porno theater. It sounds like your family theater project was the last time the theater was actually used.

Also, about how many seats are in there?

2nd run after it was a porno theatre.. Some one came in after us but did not last that long...