I was discussing this with a friend today, and my best guess is that the State Theatre project has been going on for about 16 years (if anybody else has the real date, fill me in). I was impressed that they did a special showing of a classic movie a few weeks ago. I thought it was a great fund raising idea. Obviously, doing these kind of events during the hottest months of Summer or the Coldest months of winter, wouldn’t be economical, but I think during the Spring and Fall, an occasional Saturday showing would be cool.
While many are frustrated with the progress of the theatre, I will always give them credit for doing a truly ‘historical’ restoration. Something that is rarely done in Sioux Falls. These things take time and are costly. But I think after 16 years, people are getting antcy.
A former co-worker of mine was working on this project back in ’92! They had hand made signs on the windows back then that said, “Save the State Threater” with a phone number to call if you wanted to contribute to the cause. I believe their last showing was in ’91…
So in other words, in another year, the restoration project itself will be an antique…
While many are frustrated with the progress of the theatre, I will always give them credit for doing a truly ‘historical’ restoration.
EXCEPT FOR THE DIGITAL SIGN.
What does this have to do with historic preservation?
How did it get by the Board of Historic Preservation?
How about ‘Rocky Horror Picture’ showings on Saturday nights. That cult could pay for renovation and ongoing operations. Otherwise, run a DeLorean past it at 88 mph and go back to the 70’s and 80’s before it closed.
Actually, retro such could win it notoriety. People going by on the interstates would deviat for a visit. Something like the Corn Palace but not so corny.
Atlanta has a theater that is 24 hours ‘Gone with the Wind’. How about ‘Dances with Wolves’ and ‘Fargo’.
west(ern) mall 7(2) 4eva!
Yeah, that new sign is awful. It destroys the integrity of the architectural design of the theaters historical mid-century facade.
Would you slap a big obnoxious bumper sticker on a classic car, which you just restored?…… I don’t think so, but they did the equivalent of that with that new electronic sign, however.
The one thing which is completed with that project is its facade, but now that that has been ruined, it has lost its true exterior historical statement and preservation.
What’s next, an electronic clock for the old courthouse tower?…..Maybe the County could sell advertising with that one to help pay for our criminal justice system..(jk, please don’t!)
at this rate, the projector the city already bought will be obsolete by the time the place opens.
Scott, let’s hope that projector doesn’t become obsolete too soon.
In exchange for the $63,000 taxpayers invested in the projector, the mayor (Munson) and the then city council were promised by Steve Williams (during budget hearings) that there would be free Saturday matinees for kids! And, that wasn’t just an occasional Saturday, it was EVERY Saturday! It’s all in the public record.