Fox Theater Report 2-18-1989
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FOX TIIEATER
HEPORT
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I. Purpose
THE FOX THEATER
This task force was asked to review all pertinent
facts with regard to the Fox Theater Building and
make a recommendation to the Chamber Board and
City with regard to the best future use of the
building taking into account the historical signi-
ficance of the theater and community goals such as
historical preservation and Goals for Salina
recommendations.
II. Offer
Dickinson Theater, Inc. has offered the Fox Theater
building to the city of Salina as a gift. Their only
restriction is that it not be used to compete with
existing theaters,so no first run movies. They would
like a decision by early 1989.
III.
Task Force Methodology
The Fox-Watson Theater Study Task Force was made up
of the fOllowing people: Dr.Tom Wilson, Chairman;
Karen Graves, John Gunn, Mike Beatty, Don Marrs,
Chamber staff, Gerald Cook, and Char Chapman.
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The Task Force met weekly for 12 weeks and also spent
considerable time between meetings touring the
facilities, conducting surveys, compiling informat-
ion, sampling public opinion, and assembling data.
Specifically the Task Force:
* Toured the Fox Theater with Gary Chrisbens, Mgr.
of the Vogue Theater
* Reviewed information from Dickinson Theaters to
assess the building's current condition.
* Compiled information regarding cost estimates to
bring the Fox back to use.
* Gauged public opinion through a Salina Journal
survey and an appearance on KANSAS LIVE, a KSAL
radio talk show.
* Conducted an informal Needs Assessment of ten
people in the arts and entertainment fields
in Salina.
* Documented the utility costs and certain other
costs for the Fox Theater.
* Reviewed material from other cities with similar
projects of adaptive re-use of old theater
structures.
* Compiled information regarding the use of the
building under the current historic Preservation
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guidelines.
* Deliberated the future of the Fox Theater in Salina
weighing the needs and desires of the community
against the finite resources of city government.
* Reached a consensus regarding the future of the
Fox Theater building and prepared a recommendation.
IV. Findings
A. Building
The Fox-Watson Theater building located at 155
South Santa Fe in Salina. This 1930's building's buff
brick and terra cotta trimmed exterior is characteristic
of the Art Deco style of architecture which was popular
during the early 1900. The building is a two story
structure, constructed mainly of structural masonry
walls, with a steel and reinforced concrete structural
system. It's exterior dimensions are approximately 100'
north to south, and 120' east to west.
The building has four major building elements:
1. On the west side of the building there is a five bay,
two story, store front. This element measures
approximately 80' north to south by 40' east to west. The
five ground floor store front spaces were originally used
as small retail spaces. Their only entrance is from Santa
Fe. Each of the five units have a basement area and their
own restroom. The upper level of the section of the
building is accessable from the upper lobby, as well as
from a stairway which exits onto Santa Fe at the north
end of the building. This area of the building is heated
by radiators which are supplied by the building's boiler.
This section of the building is not air conditioned.
2. On the southwest corner of the building the original
construction has what was approximately a five story
entry tower. This tower during the 1950's had the top
section removed down to what exists today.
3. The two story lobby element of the building extends
across the entire south side of the building. From the
ground floor of the lobby, access is gained to the
orchestra seating, and open stairway which leads to the
second level of the lobby. From the second level of the
lobby, access is gained to the pUblic restrooms and the
balcony seating.
4. The auditorium area of the building has its entrances
from the south with a stage area on the north which is
approximately 80' wide by 30' deep.
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The Fox-Watson Theater building was constructed with a
partial basement under the south end of the building for
mechanical systems, and a full basement under the stage
area for dressing rooms and access to the orchestra pit.
The basement walls were constructed of poured in place
concrete. The first floor of the building was constructed
of reinforced structural concrete, except for the stage
floor, which was constructed with wood joist and decking.
The balcony area was constructed of structural steel with
reinforced concrete floors and risers. The exterior walls
were constructed of brick veneer and decorative terra
cotta, backed with structural masonry, which was covered
on the interior with decorative wall plaster. The roof
structure system consists of bow string trusses and a
wood deck. The trusses span the east-west direction
across the main auditorium. On the west side of the
auditorium the original construction also included a two
story section with store front which faces Santa Fe. This
section of the building is constructed of similar
materials to the rest of the building.
To bring the building into compliance with the building
codes and the handicapped accessability requirement,
public restrooms will have to be constructed on the
ground floor level of the building. The only space where
restrooms could be constructed would be in the area of
the store front shop space on the west side of the
building. Access to this area should be possible from
the main lobby.
The electrical distribution equipment may need to be
replaced depending on the modifications required within
the building. It does not appear the existing power and
lighting wiring systems would have to be replaced as they
relate to lighting and service recepticals.
The heating and air conditioning systems within the
building is a forced air system with heat provided by a
boiler which is located under the sidewalk on the south
side of the building along Walnut Street. This boiler
may need some repairs. The air conditioning system uses
two water cooled compressors. The building does have,
what appears to be a fibrous material covering part of
the piping which is located in the basement area. This
material should be tested to determine if it contains
asbestos. For the most part the heating and cooling
systems are functional and should have a reaonable life
remaining.
In reviewing the building and what should be considered
as renovation cost, the fOllowing schedule of work items
has been assembled: .
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EXTERIOR:
Window replacement........................ .$15,000
Store front replacement..................... 15,000
Exterior door replacement & repair......... 12,000
Brick restoration north & east walls....... 30,000
Exterior painting.......................... 5,000
Roofing work.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 70,000
Miscellaneous~............................. 10,000
INTERIOR:
New restrooms(fixtures & space renovation)....$40,000
New floor carpeting (stairs,lobby,aisles)...... 10,000
Plaster repair & repainting.................... 40,000
Seat repair work............................... 5,000
Stage repair work.............................. 8,000
Mechanical electrical systems repairs.......... 25,000
Miscellaneous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 70,000
Estimated Renovation Cost:
$355,000
The above costs do not include cost to replace any stage
curtain or renovate or add dressing rooms. Nor does it
include any cost of projection equipment which may be
needed if movies are shown in the building. The costs do
not include cost for a public address system which may be
needed in the building.
Information Sheet
Fox Theater
153-157 South Santa Fe
Built; 1931
DiCkinson, Inc.
Contact: Leon Hoofnagle
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Number of seats: Main level: 923
Upper level: 409
Restrooms are upstairs:. Ladies (4 stools)
Men (2 stoo1s/4 urinals)
Maintenance room entrance (main floor)
Boiler & maintenance room located in basement.
Basement under stage includes: dressing rooms with 6
sinks - art.room - chorus room - restrooms - backstage
entrance and pit entrance for dressing facilities.
Stage was a performing arts studio:
25 sets - pit could be made larger
Seats which need to be restored - 1/2 upstairs
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I Return air is upstairs.
No fire escapes.
Viewing room upstairs - storage small - dressing room
I Street front upstairs has 5 large offices
Two restrooms
I Street front lower level - 5 large offices
I Everything is on the same heating system.
No air conditioning in street front offices
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i B. Utility Comparisons
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FOX THEATER
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I JANUARY 84 85 86 87
Electricity $ 568.87 $ 498.83 $ 550.49 $ 640.47
Gas 2517.36 1785.96 1034.88 1484.21
r . FEBRUARY
I Electricity $ 776.95 $ 898.14 $ 546.95 $ 409.75
Gas 2400.83 1887.05 1116.21 402.74
I.. MARCH
Electricity $ 607.80 $ 311.71 $ 518.42 $ 433.11
Gas 1191.86 841.22 447.54 331.50
I' ~' APRIL
Electricity $ 602.00 $ 517.86 $ 561.90 $ 683.99
. Gas 801.87 201.48 557.83
MAY
I' Electricity $ 574.75 $ 617.97 $ 546.35 $ 750.08
Gas 167.76 25.05 7.29 8.35
JUNE
I Electricity $1201.97 $ 947.94 $1324.06 $1264.36
. Gas 17.28- 7.81 7.58 8.35
JULY
I, Electricity $1955.78 $2173.11 $2121.08 $2123.93
Gas 13.78 11.26 5.41 8.35
AUGUST
Electricity $2213.66 $1760.19 $1945.91 $1633.83
i . Gas 10.75 10.40 8.39 8.32
I~ SEPTEMBER Closed. . .
Electricity $1493.20 $1412.93 $1285.24 $ 43.92
I Gas 25.26 10.41 5.41 8.06
IL~ OCTOBER
Electricity $ 563.52 $ 468.19 $ 476.25 $ 116.96
Gas 46.11 237.72 5.41 10.70
(" NOVEMBER
I,~ Electricity $ 773.47 $ 555.95 $ 932.11 $ 376.07
Gas 1469.61 934.12 960.11 45.09
1:- DECEMBER
Electricity $ 824.92 $ 671. 77 $ 673.83 $ 183.48
Gas 1568.71 1720.59 1203.50 249.48
II. TOTALS: $22388.07 $18306.18 $16485.80 $11782.93
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c. Other Fixed Exps. (taxes, maintenance, insurance)
1988
1987
1986
1985
Assessed
Value: $28000.00 $28800.00
$28800.00 $28800.00
1. Taxes: SA-626 (legal description E80'of Sl/2
lot 133 & all of lots 135,137 Santa Fe Ave.
original town)
General: 4668.44
Special: 2961.80
Total: $7630.64
4395.62
3959.66
$8355.28
4176.66
770.29
$4946.95
4123.72
802.65
$4926.37
Specials started in 1997. Payout in 1996. They are
for downtown redevelopment - Job 186-740.
Total specials $18,955.49.
2. BID Assessment Summary: BID assessments are
figured on the basis of business use and front footage.
The assessment is made on the business occupying space.
Vacant properties are assessed to the owner of the
property.
Listings:
5 - 15'6" front foot spaces - retail or professional use
1 - 22' front foot space - retail use
1987
r-=-15'6" spaces @$24.50=$73.50
1 - 22" space @$38.50=$38.50
$112.00
Billings to Dickinson Theatres, Inc.
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1988
r-=-15'6" spaces @$24.50=$73.50
1 - 22' space @$38.50=$38.50
$112.00
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1989 Assessment will be adjusted to reflect usage.
1989 BID Assessment - Entire property vacant
100 ft.= $617.53 total
1989 BID Assessment - Property occupied
Street level-15'6"spaces-retail: $294.23 ea.
Street level-1 professiona./bus: $283.51 ea.
Upper story-1 professional/bus: $132.63 ea.
Street level - 22' space-retail: $350.52
PaYments
$73.56 qtrly
$70.88 qtrly
$33.16 qtrly
$29.21 mo.
Any single entity occupying more than 71 continuous feet
would pay no more than $777.53.
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3. Insurance: The cost is approximately $2500 per
year based on 1.1 million estimated valuation.
Sq. footage replacement estimated valuation
would be $210,000. Valuation is based on 1971
assessed value updated to 1988 from the County
Assessor's Office.
4. Maintenance: The present maintenance cost would
be approximately 1/2 hour per day, (i.e. check
boilers and sweep/dust building periodically)
per Leon Hoofnagle, Dickinson, Inc.
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D. Governmental Authority Considerations
(1) Fox-Watson Theater Building - placed on the
National and Kansas Register of Historic Places
in August 1988. Standards for the renovation of
of a registered historical building as desig-
nated by the National and Kansas Register of
Historic Places apply to this building although
there are no penalties for failure to comply.
The Standards for Rehabilitation are a guide-
line for renovation, repair and replacement
techniques for use on various types of building
restoration projects. Initially the Standards
for Rehabilitations were used by the Secretary
of the Interior to determine the applicability
of proposed project work on registered proper-
ties within the Historic Preservations Fund
grant-in-aid program. TOday they are used by
architects and engineers as a guideline for
restoration, repair and replacement techniques
as they apply to building renovation work. Re-
novation design work on a building such as the
Fox-Watson Theater which is on the National and
Kansas Register of Historic Places would be re-
quired to follow these guidelines as closely as
possible.
The standards for rehabilitation basicly state
that every reasonable effort should be made to
use the building as it was originally intended
or with very little alteration when considering
a compatible use, and that the distinguishing
original features and character of the building
should be maintained, and repaired or replaced
to as accurate a duplication of the original
feature as possible.
(2) Tax Credits: As an incentive for the restorat-
ion or renovation of the property, a federal
income tax credit of 20% of such renovation
expenditures is available. The balance of such
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expenditures may be depreciated over the
specified life of the property. For example,
renovation costs of $100,000 would produce a
$20,000 current year tax credit and $80,000
in depreciation deductions spread over future
years.
E. Public Responses:
(a)Results of Journal Survey
1. One Hundred responded that the city should
accept the building and use it as a theater
for performing arts and civic auditorium.
2. Three responded that the city should accept
the building and allow it to be used for
private development and operation.
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3. Four responded that the city should turn
down the building.
(See following pages.)
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, The Fox: What do you thinl{!
, The city of Salina has been offered the Ji'ox Theater as a' gift. The only
restriction the current owner, Dickinson Theatres Inc., would place onlhe gift
Is that it not be used for firsl-rwl IIloUon pictures in cOlnpelitioll with other
local theaters the cOlllpany owns. .
The city appointed a task force to luake a recollunendation on whelher to
accept the gift. Members of the task force would like conUllents from the
public before making the decision.
If you would like to make your opinions known, please fill out and return this
questionnaire to the Salina Journal, 333 S. 4th, Salina, KS 674,01.
Replies will be forwarded to the task force.
Please rank the following options in your order of pref~rence by Illarking
them 1, 2 or 3. Y ou~ first choice oplion should be Inarked 1.
100 The city should accepllhe building and use it as a theater fOl' perforlilil1g
arts and a civic auditoriwll.
3 The city should accept the building and allow it to be used for private
development and operation,
I 4. The city should tUfn down the building.
I Would you be willing to donate time and/or contribute. funds to the
ill preservation and renovation of the Fox Theater if it is given to the city or to a
. non-profit organization?
59 Yes
20 No
Other conunents: .
Name:
Address:
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I 1151h year - No. 334
I Fox in
I OK form,
I group says
I Task force dedsion
nlay be made soon
I ByWAYNELAUGESEN
Stall Wrller
Memben of a leak force appointed
to study uses for the FOil Theater
( building at 155 S. San~fe said
I Monday lhe unused building .. In
good shape and that a recommend-
aUon on the buJldtn8 might be made
I to the Salina City CommIaslon neat
munth.
"We have to make a recommend-
aUon to the dty, and they need to
know whether the conununUy II be-
I I. hind It," said Gerald Cook, president
of the Salina Area Chamber of
Commerce.
.. Anythlnc .. still fair lame. Of
The talk force was appointed by
I the chamber'. board of directon al
the requat of the dly c:onunJuton.
Althouah Cook said anythlnc II
possible, member. of the taak force
f Indicated Monday that the buildtng
I Ihould remain a theater for Dve per-
formances. cultural movla, con-
ventlClftl and other even&l.
"It IeeIIII to be leaning that d1reo-
r Uon, but the talk force has not come
I to any reconunendaUon at aU," Cook
said. "A lot of information IeeIIII to
Indicate that may be the right direo-
I tlon to go, however."
Cook said anyone who baa IUII--
Uona IbouId caU the chamber of
commerce or BDlwer a quesllonnatre
Journal EdItor Kay Berenson said
I' she Ia planning to publlah.
Don Marrs, an architect who
Rryea on the collulllttee, said major
renovaUon will not be neceuary.
1- "lbe bulldllll II In very lood
lhape," Marn said. "MOlt ratora-
Uon would be c:.meUc on the tnte-
rlor."
I~ TIle theater w.. bullt In IISI for
Uve theater and movla. For mOlt of
Its 67 year., the tlleater baa been
used for movies.
I The bulldingla owned by D1ckinlon
(See FOil, Pale III
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Salina, Kans.. TUESDAY November 29, 1988
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Jim Arlhur ('rom left). Gerald Cook. Gary Chrlsbena and Chili' Chapman vtalllhe Fox Thealer Monday.
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Record
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Tuesday, November 29, 1988 11
~Fox
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C CoatlDued from Pale It
Theatres Inc., Mission, whJch closed
IlIastyear.
Last month, the company offered
to donate the buildJnl to the dty. The
. company'. only reque. .. that the
city not use the buildJng for flr.t-run
movies that would compete with the
compsny'. nine screens In Salina.
The bulldJng Is lI.ted on the Na.
tlonal Rellster of HI.torlc Places.
The task force met Monday and
several members .ald the bulldJng
could be \lied for medJwn-.lzed con-
certs and stale performances that
are too small for the Bicentennial
Center and too large for the Salina
Community Theatre, 303 E. Ash.
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"We do miss a lot of concerts that
are traveUnl between Kansa. City
and Denver and require seating for
1,000 to 2,000 people," said Char
Chapman, assistant vice president
for the chamber's economic devel-
opment dJvlslon.
The community theater has about
360 seats, and the BlcenteMlal Cen-
ter II desllned to seat about 1,000.
"Acoustically thJs building Is very
good," laid Tom Wilson, task force
chairman.
In researchJnl posslbllltlel for the
bulldlnl, the conunJttee hal called
people In other clUes where theaters
heve been restored and put to use.
One of the moat successful projects
was In Ironwood, Mich., a city of
about 7,000, Chapman laid.
The restored building seats 500 and
about 70 events are scheduled In It
each year.
After meeting Monday, Cook,
Chapman and several others toured
the bulldlug.
Among them was Jim Arthur, as-
Ilstant manaler of the Bicentennial
Center.
"U has some potential," Arthur
laid.
The building hes a seating capacity
of 1,332. About 400 of the seats are on
a balcony.
Walls Inside the bulldlnl are deco-
rated with omamental plaster. SOllie
of the pluster work has been dam-
aged by water leaks In the roof.
nle roof recently WIIS patched by
the theater company, but Marrs said
that work was a short-term solution.
A new roof will be necessary In the
near future, he said.
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JIllIIAAO,... ......... ~ ; UII W&A.tllQ. oUIJ. ......... uw
LAaaY YA11IEWJI,...... ~ ~ ' IWlY JO P1lOCJt.U:JtA, -.a.. UUor
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Take the FQX
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... PJckluaa Thealnllttc. baa made WaryIIJlIUJJl ColI... ludUorium Ia JIot
P. ellr 01 Sallati ... 011., .. 1bouI4 alr-eondlUGlled 1114 III IIH Ia limited
~ IlchUr ""'* :-. Ibe 'oa Theater br tbe colle..', aeed.a.
lD do.,.uoo SaUtla .. ID outr1llbt Durltl. Ibe GOlia fill' SIIIaa proc-
,1ft. .... elllzeu upreue4 a need fill' I
. 'J1IIa IooU IIkulJ1lJqIM CIppClI1I11l1tr a,_..at perfCll1l1lna 111I center.
fill' Ibe eltr to ..... I "lll1IbIe com- 'I1te FOE could coma elOll to fJlIIIljI
pllUlltr rllOUl'Cl w. c:ouI4 probablr tbet Deed.
JIot otberwlaelfford. TJIe Foa ..II\IW JJCe4 work to bellllCl
TbI roa 'l'beater wu IIuJI& u ... flf' 11II.. prodllct10111. Bua It doM
p'aDd movie hollH Ia Ibe 1I,Ie 01 Nl:W bave a IizIble lIta.e. clll1llln1 and
York', Radio CUr Millie Hall. It Ia blckdropl. ID orc:lteatra pit 1114
,...... (about UIO IUtal and.. drusJncroollupac.WlderlbesJa.e.
Il1Itlr Jlalabed willi onaameatal 'I1te COI& appean to be 1IIInIIqal
pIuter lAd UchtJac, red velvet 11I11. compared to tbe potential beaefJlI.
'IWeepIaa Italrc....1Ad baleon,. TbI bulldltlc baa been c1oae1, la-
It For D1ck1aaoa', (I1:II'JIOIU. IbI Foa apected br ardlltect DoaaIe Mam
Ia 0IItm0ded. BIC ~ tbu- wIto u,. 1& Ia well-built lAd atnJc.
!en .... a liability Ia ID .,a 01 multi- turallr IOlJIld. Haattnc lAd eoalInc
lICJ'MDclttemulruboppllllmalla. .t.__..... Ita t1ftd __...
The FOlia .......caate4 .. a bIatorJc :;-- In ..... 0JlIrI_ ,;.........
.)uIIdIac. 'Ibat Iffecta what D1ckJnsoa ~ uplbe buIIcIlac'.1IIIlIa....
J:r a bu,., COII/d do wl&b th, b,dIdItIc. almOIt enUnI, cOlllletlc OIl. -.ucb
8lt& IbI buIIdInc tbet Ia pae/aa to .. repair 01101III 0I'III1DeIItal pIuter
PIcklaIoa COII/4 be I real..... to the dama.ed br ID old rooIleak alGIII
COIDIIIIIIllt, If IbI city Ic:cepta It. _ ..11 . .
It cauId bellllCl for a-Iaa IDI1IIo, .
./beater lAd other II'OIIPI .. weD... Jf IbI cJlr taUe the I'oz,I&.W bave
:rorlOllllloc:al perf~. Groupa to par beatJq and cooIlac billa. Bua
1bet IpOIiaor beaelI& couatrJ con- 1bI.,litemI WMId need to ba 1'1III ooIr
'-.1IIIcIc ...1Ad IbI Uk.1IIlcbt tIlOII&h to prevlllt pIuter damall' or
.2looIl1bIP'OI. So cauId Otrlatlaa mil- .baa tbe theater w.. beInK IIIlld.
';Ie croupa or a-Iaa evqellala. The BookJnc and IlIlJllI'aI admlnlatra-
. 'oz', cIIb, aura ala vanlabecl era al UOIl oIlbIbuiIdIna could be baadled
~" .1Inaour cauId 4ra. lourWa brcurreo&8lc:ea&enn1a1CeoterltaU.
"for a/ook. 1bIa Ia ~J.uaUoa 01 ,epalrJac a
'I1Ioee ... ooIr . f.. qllbI l'C/t WIInHII1&, ebell 01, btdIdInI lit
...~. , maulv. COIIlIIUJnJty ezpenae.
Y.. ....... bu ......... IIuBdJnca 1bIa II a cbaace to obtalta a IIIIbIe
. IbI perf-"'l...... 8JJ& tbare la, perfOl'llllac arta ceotel' at mlrllmal
pp. The 8............. Ceater II too COlt. More tbaa tbet 1& Ia ID op-
......1Ad IIcb a~ for 1IIIDr portuaJtr to pruerv. a rullr beallU-
.v,.... TIM SallaJ cOmmlJJlJt, fill old bWIdIac lllat c:GDtaIaJ a lot 01
....,..,., .. the other baad, Ia too m-a.. f0l'1IIIDr Ioc:al realdeata.
-an 10 -~a" IbI crOwda SaIIaa aboutd lIolllUlllt lip without
~ to tmartn. ",. GOd ~"';I
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The Fox: What do you think?
'I'Iae dtr al .... ... 11IM CJffen4 the 1'01 TbIater U I lift. TbI oalr
fIIIdc:tIaIa the aaI1I& OWIIIr, DlckInaGa 1beetru 1ttc.=t~OIlIblIIft
Ia ..... It _lie lIIICI for fIn&.... motJOJl pJcturu Ia willi o&ber
1ocaI......1bI-.-, OWIII.
'I'Iae d&y .......... I tuII force Ie maU I -........u.. . wtlettw to
..,. ... ..... UI1IlbIn alibi tuII force wouI4 Uka ~ from the
plJItIItt bIfoN 1IIIk/q IbI dedaI... .
. II'.. WOlIId Uka to maU 1011I'...... bowta. pIuae WI out lAd retunl tbII
q.a-....... to IblIaIIaa J--.l, m.. ..... SaUna. all.a.
.......W be forwenlecltolbl tuII force.
...... ,aaIl IbI fllllowtq ....... Ia rOlll' order 01 pref..- br marklnc
u.,a Uor a. v~ fIn& cbGIci option ahouI4 be mull....
( ) 11Ie dtr IbouId IClCIp& ~ IllIIIlfIIlf lAd IIH 1&... ~ fill' perfarmlat
~ lAd a dylc alldltortum.
( ) TIle cltr IbouId ac:cept Iba buIIdInc lAd ~o. 1& to bellllCl for private
-...... aad opar.....
C ) 'I'Iae cltr IboltI4 twa dowtt thellltUdlac.
W..... ,. be wtWaI to ...... time aadlor ClClIItrtIMIte flIIIda to Iba
.......... 1114 l'MOYettoa 0I1bI poz 'I'IMater 111& Ia ctv- to the cJlr or to a
~ or't'ftl,.ttoor
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Th~~ournal
,-.....
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HAIlIlII aAYL.1'lIOIloW
&AY I&Il&NION. UW
lIaITT BEIlIU. ......". lr4IIar
JIM lIMO,.... .........- IEN W&AIlINO. AMC, ........ UW
LARIlY MATlIEWI. SMIor ""-"'Co _ MAllY .10 PIlOCIL\ZItA, "-10" UW
IIl&T ."I.LACS. ..-.. _
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The Fox survey
LIlt WedneIda, &III JOUI'IIalIlUd buIId1nc. In lood condIttoa. It baa .
readen fOl' their opIaIana .bout &III ai_that III Iacklaa In &III BI_
FOIl 'nIeater. tunJaI CeII......~
D1ctin1aa 'I'beatra Inc. baa offend "I C8II't c:onlrIbute an, 1ar" _ ill
to &lv' Selina the buIJdIaa. A dt, tuk _,. but .ouId lib to c:onlrIbute
f_ ... IppoWed and uked to -wac."
Inv...... pouIbIe _ ill Ihe build- "Don't ..... tear do_ tbI8 build-
Ina. to dJedr III eoadIttoa and mall, a Ina. Selina baa \oat too 1IIIIl' Jand.
recommendation .. to whelher Ihe markulre.dy. " (BelUllalton)
dt,Ibou1dBCeBpt"'tIlMW.- ...-.........,:....... ..,...... lie. ca-v. &".. ,
Memben ill Ihe lull force ba.. IIi&lft .iMntI.a ill....... ud __
I,.raed tb, bulldlnl I. .ound rOlUldln& IreaI DOt to accept tbla
and c:auId be r.tbar eaalI, _varted I~ 11ft and _ tbla &1ft for 'I
for _ .. . performlnt uti center tbeater for performllll art.."
and dYle .udltortum. The, BbIo cu.. (AIII1.M) ,
COY.... that . lIumber ill otIIer cW.. "A bBautlful theater.Iet'1 taka It."
bave IlICCIIIfuIIy _varted IlICb "n Ie time we ..-.vld _ ill
tbe.terl IlIto communU, luda. Our bulIdIap. 'IbIa b88 baeD . put
tortlDDl. IbM.... In &111_..1 do Iaope we put
8lIda buIIdlnca .. lJpIcaU, l*d Ittolood_."
fOl' COIIIIIIlIIIllJ lYante and rented to ., ....... with tbI8 tbaater. .....It
private Ifoupa. 8dIedqIecI1Ylllta of. c:auId be II beautiful u tben. ..
ten lndude local ~ coaeerta, Tn .... YGtecIIIO. One aid ...
perfOllDlllCU .., tourlnt daaee, buIJdIaa"'" DOt be ICeeIIIbIa to
drama or IDIIIIc8I poupa, cIauic &III budli:apped. (10 fact. tuk force
film 1bo"Iap, -YWIona,...... IDIIIIbeni II' tba buIJdIaa'l ftnt IIoor
cburdl-r.lated meetlnp. ban., Ie....., acc.UbIe ... and It wouI4
IuIIIGD Ibo.. and -y otberi. be pouIhIe to add reatroom f.c:WtIea
Hulna Ieamed tbat 1nf0l'lllltl0a, far Ihe handicapped In lIIll*d .....
&III tuk f_ .l1l&I to IIIIUI&n local on Ihe Unt Ooor.)
IUppOIt for IlICb . project. Tbat'. &III !. Anotbar aid It .ouId be "1IIOtW
~for&lllllln", .. .bltulepbaat."
AI ill Sl&urday 1IlGnIIaC, . CIIID- , n- who bav, aol ,. rqtaterId
pIeted forma bad been reeelved at Ihe ' aD..... ma, aWl do 10, either b,
J-..J. AI promllld, .U npII.. "III MIIdInc u. _, f_ or.1atIer to
bepuaad.lon&tolhetukfOl'ce.' Ihe J-uJ 01' to Ihe 0IambIr ill
So far, opinion Ie decIcIedI, In faYOf' c-man:. office. , ,
iIIacceptIn&IheFOI-.wrttar.....' fa .. edItortaIlut ...... aid
&be cIt, abouI4 accept &III buIIdIaa ' .. beIIev, &be cIt, abouI4 accept &III
IIId _It .. . theater for perfOl1lllnl rOl. U tbat bappena It wUI be a
utllIId.dvle.udItortum. ~ project. 'IbIa ta &III time
Some ill their COIIIII*Ita fotto.: for ___ ill &III CIIIIIIIIlIIIIt, to
"'IbIa lbealer wouI4 brtnc peopIa iDU. tbeIr ~ bo.... All It
doWldowa .,aIn. It Ie a ....utlful lalla Ie . few m1autea and .Itamp.
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SURVEY COMMENTS
Don't let it go the way of the old Salina Journal Bldg.
I can't contribute any large sum of money but would like to contribute something.
The city should accept the building and allow it to be used for private events, on
a ren ta 1 ba s is.
Willing-yes; time/funds-unable -- willing to share what little experience I have had with a
similar porject.
Space available for a "live-in" manager/caretaker?
This theater would bring people downtonw, again. It is a beautiful building, in good
condition. It has a glamour that is lacking in the Bicentennial Center.
I think it would be a disservice to future generations of Salina and surrounding areas
~ot to accept this generous gift and use this gift for a therter for performing arts.
The city did wrong tearing down old historic building before - like the Gr. Plains Bldg.
Minimal amount of money.
Could the building be rented for meetings in addition to #1 above? Also, perhaps
style shows, etc. 'sponsored by non-profit organizations.
SCT could use for their musicals-always. draws large crowd.
Retired so could not contribute any large amount of money-will try. Salina is moving
forward in arts and entertainment-a great need for our community. A BEAUTIFUL build-
ing. A place where 1939 Salina High Class sneak day - we saw Tyrone Power & Alice Faye
"Washington Square". Many memo_ries made during those years. Giving & receiving are
certainly acts of love we should recognize at this time of the year. Memories link
us to immortality - everyone has beautiful memories so many people will benefit from
this gift which I recommend the task force choose. Thanks to those taking their
time to be on this task force and to the Journal for good info on this.
I couldn't give much money but I don't want to lose the Fox. I'd love to see classis
movies and/or plays and shows there.
SALINA NEEDS THIS BUILDINGII I
I would like to serve on a board or committee for the restoration of the theater
& its future use.
I'd like to see the theater made into a dinner theater.
Bring more good entertainment to Salina.
I am a "seniorll retired person - funds & energy aren't what they used to be!
But, I grew up with this theatre - wish it could be a beautiful as is was then
(30's - 40's)
A beautiful theater, let's take it.
Willing to help however, I have only a limited amount of time available.
Salina must keep this bUilding. I will hlep any way I can. It coud be a wonderful
ahet.
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This building should be preserved and used.
I will be moving back to Salina eventually so 11m quite interested!! I have many
fond memories of the Fox Theater. (First n~vie I ever saw, taking girls on dates,
plus I performed as a vocal soloist with a musical group from S.H.S. in 146,147 &
'48.
Can be used for trave10ques.
Save the Fox!
Can contribute time! This is great opportunity to save part of our past and do
something for now and the future.
Limited funds. If Dickinson theatres, Inc. showed some really good movies they
would have the right to request "no competition", but, since they rate our movie
mentality at B, they shou1d'nt restrict use.
Don't allow that beautiful building to be torn down.
Use for Easter Services. Christmas Programs. Convention Center.
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Lets keep the Fox Theatre. There's plenty of parking all around it.
This is truly a wonderful gift for the city and we must not let it get away from us.
I am a "downtown person"- by tha t I mean I prefer it far over the Ma 11 s and therefore,
this beautiful building can be developed into something "very special" and a great
drawing card for our downtonw area. Let's do it! Do not tarry!
If I lived in Salina I would.
The charge to use the facility should not be so high that a group could not afford
to rent it. Another use for it could be for Dance Recitals from the studios in
town, as we've attended spring recitals at Marymount and it gets so hot in there
with no A.C.
It sounds like a more fitting setting for the performing arts than the Bictr. An
attraction to Salina comperable to the Brown-Grand in Concordia.
Salina should not pass it up without a very good reason.
I hope Mr. Davis keeps his nose our of this. I say "take it". We've lost too many
good buildings- The old Court /louse & Clock on 5th - The Elks building etc.
Be sure to accept. How can you refuse?? Why not be a good receiver _ does every-
thing have to have a dollar sign behind or on it. "Very Concerned" An old original
Salina Town resident.
Professional opera every other year too.
Don't ever tear down this building. Salina has lost too many landmarks already.
Bring in opera companies, ballet and other concert type programs. Bring in
traveling drama & musical groups.
I have been a resident of Salina over 31 years and love it. I'm not at Windsor
Estates.
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It could be used for touring music, theater and other groups as well as for some
local performances. Groups that sponsor benefit country concerts, magic shows and
the like might book the Fox.
Since a "goodll portion of my real estate taxes are used for the city, let this
become part of their budget priorities, this way every citizen in Salina would/could
become a stewart in this wonderful building.
It is time we preserved some of our buildings. This has been a great theater in the
past. We should have saved the Old Federal Post Office, as it was really historic.
I do hope we put it to good use.
Another white elephant.
NOI! The City of Salina has not shown that it can handle such a program when there are
so many city facilities that are in need of an up date. The City has not shown any
interest in complying with state law or federal guide lines on handicapped accessibility.
Even when these errors were pointed out to the city manager and then to all five
city commissioners, which included information on state law, federal guide lines and
the standards that is supposed to be used. Work continues with no regard to those
guide lines. This disregard for the law and rights of handicapped citizens of Salina
is going to cost the city thousands of dollars. If the city was to take over the
Fox, it would have to install seating rest rooms and access to the stage for handi-
capped persons. By not doing this, it would be necessary to close the theatre as
soon as it would open to the public, and then the tax payers would have another white
elephant on its hands.
Option #2 in my ranking may be as good as #1. 00 use the Fox!
Although I agree that the Fox Theater is a lovely old building and worthy of pre-
servation, I feel there are many other needs within the City of Salina which deserve
priority and which would benefit more people. It seems to me that a non-profit
organization would be the avenue throught which purchase and renovation could be done.
I would give what I could.
I would donate to a small degree. Notell In 12-6-88 Journal. an article about a dinner
theater presenta tion 1I0pening Nights Merry Chri s tmasll being a sellout in Minneapo 1 is,
Ks. Canlt you vision this for Salina?
The Fox Theater is a nice place and should be reopened.
Accept and use for plays.
Please accept the building and use it for young adults to perform in.
Please accept the offer and take the building.
The city owns lIenufll deteriorating buildings now.
It seems to me good use could be made of the Fox theater by the entire Salina
Community and not merely the interest of downtown Salina. Really I believe it is
generally agreed that the so called downtown represents only a monor portion of the
economy of this area. It must be remembered that the citizens of greater Salina need
no more white elephants to support. Obviously the downtown area is not a thing of
beauty since the expensive renovation, and from now on extreme care must be exercised
to make sensible decisions.
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My name is Vivette Darnell. I own and operate Vivette's Dance Studio.
I would love to have my recitals in a large air conditioned theatre.
I have used Central's Auditorium in the past - no sound or light system,
available only if school not being used, no dressing rooms for large
numbers of small children.
Kansas Weslyan is too small. The community theatre while a wonderful
facility is too small.
We have been using Marymounts Fine Arts Auditorium, but it. is not
airconditioned, is avail~~le subject to Marymounts usage requirements,
and also the personal schedule of the theatre's technical director.
I usually pay about $200.00 for the daily use of the Marymount theatre,
plus renting my. own sound system and payment of the Technical Directors
time for the d~y,. I wouldn't .fnind paying a similar amount to rent
the Fox.
When I moved to Salina in 1975 I visited the Fox and realized it had
once been a "real It theatee, and have always wished it could be so again.
I hope it -aan.be worked out, and the theatre restored to working
condition.
I have assisted another Dance theacher in Concordia with her recitals
that are held in the Brown Grand Theatre. The towspeople and the
young dancers take great pride in being a~le to perform there. I
must admit, I really enjoyed dancing on the stage and looking out
at the elegant auditorium.
I'm sure that most of the other dance teachers in town would also be
willing to h~ld recitals there~ Support staff shouldn't be too
difficult to come by, this is a big theatre town. There are an awful
lot of old Ittechies" in this t9wn.
I think the restored theatre would also be applicable for talent
competi tions, beauty and scholcarship pagents,! depending on the
accoustics)voice recitals, touring theatre groups, special highschool
productions, etc.
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Uecembe ,- 8, 198f3
Dear Committee Members:
Although I do no have a copy of the Salina Journal form, [ am
wl-iting to let you know that I would like you to do all within
your power to preserve the Fox Theater for community use.
Not only is it a beautiful example of theater architecture, but
it is an inherent part of Salina's past.
I will appreciate any and all work done by the committee toward
this end.
S i. nee ,-e 1 y ,
?U/ldG.../ Uou.-t- i~
Linda Trouttetter
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Decembe I" i..l, l')iJ8
Dear Committee Members:
Although I have misplaced the official Salina Journdl form, I am
writing to let you know that I am in favor of the City of Salina
obtaining the Fox Theater for community purposes.
In the past, Salina has been guilty of letting some of our most.
distinctive pUblic building be lost to the wrecking ball; e.g.
the old Salina Journal Building at the corner of 7th and lion,
the old courthou5e at the corner or 5th and Ash, and most
recently, the Great Plains Building in the 100 block ot S. 7th.
I feel we should do everything within our power to see that the
same fate does not befall the Fox Theater. I would like t.o see
it preserved in its original condition. ...~he way it looked when
it opened. In fact, it would be wonderful if the committee would
do some research with regard to type of carpet, colors used, etc.
and try to reproduce those as they were at that time.
If we are to believe the owners of the big theater chains,
beautiful theaters such as the Fox are a thing of the past, and
we should do everything in our power to preserve our own special
part of that era. I have a special interest in the theaters in
Salina. having worked at the Strand Theater and the Rocket Drive
In Theater. The movie industry has Changed a lot over the years.
dnd even though we are now d society of ~.Jhdt I call "cracker box
theaters" and "rent a video," we can all still appreciate the
grandeur of the majestic old Fox.
Please, do whatevel~ you can to see that nott,ing Ilappens to the
Fox Theater, and I would be willing to do ~"hatever I, as a
citizen of Salina, can do to help you to that end.
Sincer"ely ~ rJ
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SAlLllNA SUJ~((;llCAIL GR(Q)UJ~ ~ Ao
400 EAST IRON
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SALINA, KANSAS 67401
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PHONE: 913 823.9166
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December 12, 1988
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Mr. Gerald Cook
Chamber of Commerce
120 W. Ash
Salina, Kansas 67401
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Dear Mr. Cook:
This letter is to confirm our recent conversation in which I
expressed my enthusiam for the tentative plans for acquisition of the
Fox Theater for the city.
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The type' of facility provided in the form of the Fox Theater is
a rather unusual and fortuituous one in that so few movie theaters
has such added features as an ochestra pit, dressing rooms, stage, etc.
In addition, the size of the theater would seem to be very appropriate
for certain types of concerts and public and group meetings.
At present we do not really have such a facility of this size in
Salina,
It appears that the possibility of acquiring the Fox Theater for
a token price is an option which the commission should not ignore.
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If it is true that no major structural or mechanical problems
exist, I think it is entitely possible that financial support can
be found for redecoration and renovation.
WKN/dg
With/~est wishe/,
/1 c_ /.
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C. Eo LIVINGSTON. M.D.
General & Thoracic Surgery
W. B. NICKELL, M.D.
Anesthesiology
W. K. NICKELL, M.D.
General & Thoracic Surgery
R. W. SCHMIDT, M.D.
General & Thoracic Surgery
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IHI: tUX
Persons willing to donate time and/or contribute funds
I Jim Arthur
922 Somerset
. ia 1 ina, Ks. 67401
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Ba rba ra Ne 1 son
2014 Queens
Salina, Ks. 67401
Dorman Lehman
Box 413
lindsborg, Ks. 67456
,
Il1arcfa Dearing
/29 Custer
,Salina, Ks. 67401
Sarabeth Geis
909 S. 11th
Salina, Ks. 67401
Dr. Vernon E. Osborn
643 S. Ohfo
Salina, Ks. 67401
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I: my Patrick
2026 Simmons
~("a1ina, Ks. 67401
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~r. & Mrs. lee Spellman
Ii 009 Marc
Lllina, Ks. 67401
Frances Brake
320 E. Parkway
Salina, Ks. 67401
Cleo J. Frye
540 S. 8th St.
Salina, Ks. 67401
Dee Gish
749 Wood
Salina, Ks. 67401
Dennis E. Carlson
6798 W. Salemsborg Rd.
Smolan, Ks. 67479
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Jo Royer
'')1)9 N. Vine St.
I )ilene, Ks. 67410
Nadine Nienke
224 N. Kansas
Salina, Ks. 67401
Randy Duncan
302 Irene
Salina, Ks. 67401
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IL~ne & Jan Brax
5500 S. Ohio Rd.
~ saria, Ks. 67416
Arnold L. Stephens
1809 Westwood Rd.
Salina, Ks. 67401
Jack B. Buell
550 S. 10th, Box 1031
Salina, Ks. 67401
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~ rlene Lange
-119 W. Bond
Salina, Ks. 67401
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Dale Weis
1121 S ta te
Salina, Ks. 67401
Vernon M. Stevens
1911B Glendale
Sal ina, Ks. 67401
~ as. Marsh
10 Rldglea Dr.
a~ina, Ks. 67401
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Darold Greene
II! 27 S. Ohio
___l1na, Ks. 67401
Bryce Seusy
3520 W. Stimmel Rd.
Salina, Ks. 67401
Helen Ashton
843 Pearl
Salina, Ks. 67401
Becky Wiley
748 S. Front, #3
Salina, Ks. 67401
Joyce Hale
2264 Roach
Salina, Ks. 67401
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larabell e Geis
.('1 Highland
.(ina, Ks. 67401
Genevieve Zimmerman
117 N. Wisconsin, #202 N
Salina, Ks. 67401
Alice Terry
738 S. Front
Salina. Ks. 67401
Richard Bowman
11585 fL Marymount Rd.
Salina, Ks. 67401
- Lynn Ryberg
Box 695
IBays, Ks.
67601
Icalvin K. Boyce
1311 Lewis
. Salina, Ks. 67401
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I~r. & Mrs. Robert Garrison
13 Eastborough Rd.
: 5alina, Ks. 67401
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~enita L. Kippes
18 Parkway
,- alina, Ks. 67401
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.r<evin Juenemann
'15 W. Iron
alina, Ks. 67401
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,nonna Dempewolf
I; 15 W. Iron
alina, Ks. 67401
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lIill & Ruth Cathcart-Rake
,139 Overhi 11
lalina, Ks. 67401
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,.. arlis Breisch
097 W. Cloud
alina, Ks. 67401
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i"ol1 een Jewe 11
1120 Roach
a lina, Ks. 67401
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Issi Elmore
f '] Marvi n
111 na, Ks. 67401
Laura Menhusen
509 W. Wi] son
Sa 1 ina, Ks. 67401
Mr. & Mrs~ V. Bradshaw
235 Ba~er S t.
Salina, Ks. 67401
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Boner
1122 Marymount Rd.
Salina, Ks. 67401
Kenneth Noel Pinnick
1301 Andrew
Salina, Ks. 67401
Betty Lambert
910 Kenison
Salina, Ks. 67401
Mindy Kerr
437 Yale Ave.
Sa 1 ina, Ks. 67401
Fred & Peggy Tyree
1220 Funston
Sal ina, Ks. 67401
Catherine Silhan
1109 Osborne
Salina, Ks. 67401
Linda Ruegsegger
805 lIancock
Salina, Ks. 67401
Tim Meyer
Box 126
Sylvan Grove, Ks. 67481
Linda Lea Borden
3112 Canterbury
Sa lina, Ks. 67401
Margaret Riley
701 Park
Sa 11 na, Ks. 67401
Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Fackler
864 Lewis
Sal ina, Ks. 67401
Janice Allen
19 Crestview
Salina, Ks. 67401
K. Faye Toner
214 N. College
Salina, Ks. 67401
Kevin Kindlesparger
455 Maple
Salina, Ks. 67401
Robert Bradd ck
1525 Cheyenne Ave.
Sal ina, Ks. 67401
Joanne Riffel
948 W. Parsons Rd.
Assaria, Ks. 67416
Jerry & Rosemary lIeidrick
528 Fairdale Rd.
Salina, Ks. 67401
Jennifer Wi] son
422 Jupiter Ave.
Salina, Ks. 67401
Paul Lipe
1661 W. Republic, Lot 60
Sal ina, Ks. 67401
Irena Sippel
510 Saturn
Salina, Ks. 67401
Mary Jamieson
1420 Venus Ave.
, Salina, Ks. 67401
IErnest E. Bradshaw
142 S. 10th
. Salina, Ks. 67401
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IJOSeph C. Breer
. 2054 Raymond Ave.
.salina. Ks. 67401
I~inda Troutfetter
23 N. Oakdale
1 Salina, Ks. 67401
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_' on ita Pedersen
69 N. Kansas
alina, Ks. 67401
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(b) Results of Radio Show:
1. "What should we do with the Fox Theater
in downtown Salina?" Thirteen positive
responses and two negative
(See following pages.)
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(c) Results of Telephone Survey:
The following people who are involved in arts related
activities were asked to answer these questions:
1. How would your group use the Fox Theater?
2. In what ways would it complement your program?
3. In what ways would it compete with your program?
4. What do you feel would be the highest and best use of
the Fox Theater Building?
The answers are rather stream-of-consciousness, but very
revealing.
Eric Stein - Conductor of the Salina Symphony and the
Salina Municipal Band
* Would hold the annual Pop concert there (once a year)
* Would be a shame to lose the building because the sight
lines are very good (better than Marymount Theater).
* Doesn't feel that the Fox would compete with the Mary-
mount Theater.
* Good place for films as an alternative to those at
other theaters.
* Bicentennial Center is not good for fine arts perform-
ing groups.
* Best use - concerts and touring groups such as the
Kansas City Symphony.
Steve Snyder - Acting Superintendent of Recreation
(City of Salina)
* Would hold the annual Halloween party there (1200
people).
* Would hold the annual Mayor's Christmas Party there
(600 people).
* If retained as a theater, he would hold summer time
movies for children.
* They use Marymount now for Childrens' Theatre
activities.
* Would use as a back-up for summer concerts and probably
would start scheduling winter concerts (teens).
* Would use for meetings of athletic teams, coaches'
meetings, umpire meetings, etc.
Saralynn Hardy - Director, Salina Art Center
* Feels strongly in preserving the outside facade.
* Favors a mixed use (recreation & leisure).
* Anything in the downtown area that builds on the arts
profile of the community is a plus.
* Art films are in their long-range plans.
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* Would have a Childrens' Art Film Festival.
* Staffing is the big issue - staff and volunteer
interaction.
* If there were to be a major fund raising drive, she
does not feel that it would compete too much with the
Art Center's on-going fund raising but should be a
consideration.
* Sees a need for an activity center for the teenage
population.
* Sees a great need downtown for a children's playground
space such as Nogucky built in Atlanta - perhaps there
would be space inside the Fox - just a thought.
* If mini-mall is promoted, thinks it would be great -_
just preserve the outside and rebuild the theatre so
that it is different from other Salina theaters __
such as theater-in-the-round.
Ann Knowles - City Center Improvement Board
* Best use as theater for performing arts, art films,
childrens' films, and childrens' theater.
* Should refurbish office space immediately.
* Rehab exterior first, put tower back.
* Negative to mini-mall idea unless it is controlled by
one entity who can control tenants to assure high
quality of specialty type shops.
Heather Smith - Key Volunteer, Salina Art Center
* Convert to a dance hall such as the "Red Dog Inn" in
Lawrence.
* The Goals for Salina committee on which she served saw
a need for a teen center - could this be the place?
* Revive Club Cherokee for teens and have dances there.
Peter vanden Honert - Director, the Salina Chorale
* Salina Chorale would possibly use Fox for concerts but
they would need a piano and sometimes an organ.
* Could not take the Kansas Wesleyan Choir there because
they have to stay on the campus.
* He is head of the board of the Salina SYmphony and will
ask the board at their next meeting for ideas, but
thinks that the SYmphony would stay at MarYmount as it
is free.
* Best use - as a theater for different genre of films.
Charles Kephart - Director, Salina Community Theater
* Would use the Fox (if it were converted to a performing
arts theater) for the big block buster summer musical.
At present, they can give only 15 performances and it
does not satisfy demand. With volunteers, you can ask
only so many nights. With the Fox, the extra seating
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would allow him to do 5 performances (larger audience,
fewer performances).
* Fox would NOT work for plays - only musicals.
* Childrens' Theater - the Community Theater is getting
into this area in a big way. He would like to sponsor
National Companies such as the Minnesota Childrens
Theater Company (ex. "Raggedy Ann"). Need a larger
theater to have enough audience to pay for it.
* Is opposed to the idea of dinner theater. Would have to
tear up the seats and destroy the theater interior.
* Fox should be maintained as a theater. Hopes it is pre-
served so that it can be used by groups in the entire
community.
Max Albert - Local promotor of Christian events
(formerly with the Lowell Lundstrom Crusade)
* Christian community needs a neutral building (meaning
no one particular denomination or church) other than
the Bicentennial Center for 1,800 to 1,000 people.
BiCenter is too big and expensive. Community Theater is
too small. Formerly used the Memorial Hall.
* He could promote concerts, movies, rallies such as the
Billy Graham Crusade film.
* Now that Salina has a Christian radio station, they are
eager to help promote events.
* The Christian community needs a place that is neutral
and has easy access and would draw many people to
Salina.
(Karen's note: The Christian community is the most over~
looked group in Salina. Their numbers are vast and they
spend money going to events in other cities.)
Martha Rhea - Director, Salina Arts & Humanities Comm.
* Fox as a performing arts center has possibilities BUT
is quite concerned how it would be funded. Dollars
available in Salina area already stretched too far - so
many groups are seeking dollars. Would be concerned if
an effort to rehab the Fox drained away other Arts
dollars.
* Salina could use a bigger place for musical (see
Charlie Kephart's comments).
* There are needs for a mid-size auditorium in Salina
(larger than Community Theater and smaller than the
BiCenter). Seats could be increased to 1500 if new ones
were installed.
* Not offended by the idea of a mini-mall. Feels that the
main idea is to preserve the building and the facade.
If it is used for retail, some space should be reserved
for public use for performances.
* Has sent for some good material on adaptice re-use of
buildings such as the old post office building in
Washington, D.C.
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Dennis Denning - Director, Sunflower Summer Theater
Maryrnount Drama
* Salina already has enough things going for the arts.
* Thinks taxpayers would resist duplication.
* Thinks that Maryrnount can handle everything that the
Fox could as far as performing arts is concerned.
Thinks that private enterprise should do this project.
* Says that Maryrnount would not be able to use this fac-
ility.
* Parking would be a big problem.
* If used as a performing arts theater, would have to go
in and start from scratch - lighting, stage,depth,etc.
* Thinks that the cost of maintaining it would be
$100,000 a year.
* In general, very negative to the idea of reclaiming it
for performing arts use.
* Did think that it could perhaps be used for dinner
theater. Would have to remove every other seat.
Judy Ewalt - Downtown Coordinator
* Realistically, should use the commercial spaces now.
Would like to see a small business incubator in the
store front.
* Retail spaces would complement the mix because they are
small so there would be no competition for downtown
retail space. Downtown has an over abundance of office
space now.
* Downtown has become a vocal point for non-profit
groups. Perhaps they should be all housed there.
* Vance Kelly, the State Historical Architect, has a file
on the Fox Theater. Says that in February or March, it
was put on the State Historical sites list. John
Hauptli and Ken Bieberly know all about this. Judy
thinks that the interior cannot be significantly
altered. Judy has a file on other Fox theaters.
* Thinks we need not worry about the asbestos removal
problem because it is "sandwiched" or layered and con-
tained.
* One idea (Dennis Kissinger's) was to turn it into a
tourist attraction by converting it into antique stalls
-- gathering all the antique dealers in one space.
* Favors mixed use - would not like to see it gutted.
* Should keep it for performances. Could perhaps do in-
teractive scheduling with the Brewers who are renovat-
ing the old Lee House at 200 S. 7th Street. They want
to cater to private parties, etc.
Bill Harris - Manager, Bicentennial Center
* Preserve the building - exterior architecture the most
important feature, more important than the use of the
inside.
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* On the negative side, it couldn't be self-supporting.
It would require more sUbsidy than the BiCenter, pro-
portionally.
* Doesn't see any crying demand for that kind of theater
that MarYmount College and the BiCenter cannot fill.
The BiCenter can now accommodate smaller concerts and
shows with big new divider curtains that cut down the
size of the arena.
* Touring groups are looking for someone to promote a
show (underwrite). We are not missing out on shows be-
cause of lack of the facility, but because of lack of
local underwriters. BiCenter gets lots of calls from
people looking for a promoter.
* Highest and best use is to preserve outside and re-
construct interior for mini-mall. Cluster small shops
and incorporate the stage with a restaurant.
Leon Gennette - Concordia, Kansas
(Father of the Brown Grand Theater)
* They paid $30,000 for the Brown Theater. Started in
1972 and finished restoration in 1980. Not now used
for a movie theater.
* Theater used for country western shows, college plays,
opera, artist series, big bands, military bands, etc.
They use it about once a week.
* Has become a tourist attraction - now that they have a
sign on the highway, people stop for tours.
* Has a slide presentation on it and would be willing to
come show it, or we could visit and have a tour.
* They have a Governing Board of 25 members. It has a
budget of $40,000 a year. It is a great asset for their
cultural arts scene.
Question:Do we really need the Fox Theater as a
Performing Arts Center? Would we make good use of it,
particularly addressing the idea of Salina being a
"mid-point" spot between Kansas City and Denver for
touring groups?
Mike Grimaldi
Mike relates the acquisition of the Fox to a quality of
life issue for Salina. He says that there is no place
between Kansas City and Denver for touring groups to
stop. Examples: Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock and other
Jazz groups that typically draw under 1,000 in Salina,
unless connected with the SHRF and the free show idea.
Country and Western stars like Johnny Cash, George Jones
and groups like Three Dog Night and Broadway-type shows
like Pump Boys and Dinettes, CATS! etc. look for a
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mid-point stop to cover mostly expenses of traveling.
EXAMPLE: Three Dog Night wanted to play in Salina. The
BiCenter was too large and SCT was too small. They
charged $10,000 in Kansas City and wanted only $1,000 in
Salina. Expenses at the BiCenter (rigging, curtains) was
too great. Carousel was considered but too small at 350.
They would have performed at a place like the Fox Theater
and done well.
He said that in his op1n1on, there ARE touring groups
that we could pick up -- there is quite a bit of talent
out there and many of them looking for a place that seats
between 700 and 1,000. The SCT is too small for anything
other than what they are now doing. Grimaldi does not
think that the BiCenter would be in competition or vice
versa. For example: Stanley Clarke wanted to book in
Salina but BiCenter too large...he needed an 800 seat
auditorium. Agrees that the Christian performing groups
are really beginning to get hot.
He said that his experience with trying to book things at
the MarYmount Theater was that they are often tied up in
production of rehearsal of their own things and that
their stage was not therefore available very often. Also,
their auditorium seats 1,000 whereas the Fox seats 1,300
and he said that the 300 seat difference is bigger than
one might think.
He said if the Fox were acquired some lIseed money II should
be earmarked for both entities to do some lIin housell
promoting. (He included the BiCenter.) Even though it
sounds risky, after a few successes, the word gets out
and other promotors are more willing to book
entertainment.
He suggested I call Gordon Smith who runs the Civic
Center in Des Moines (515/243-0766) as he has a better
handle on who is out there that we could book. I did not
get around to making that call.
Grimaldi thinks that the Fox would be viable for
operating as a Performing Arts Center and raises only the
issues of expense in renovating and expense in operating
as deterrents. Does not question the usage. Grimaldi's
number in Des Moines is 515/283-4168.
Martha Rhea
Rhea sees the Fox as an lIin-betweenll size facility that
would attract what she calls touring and presenting
groups...a field that is just beginning to really take
off. There is a lot of activity in the T&P field -- many
touring companies. Some of them are doing new material
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and staying in town long enough for outreach activities.
She concurs with Grimaldi that Salina is the right size
and location for one night stands for touring groups. She
thinks it would require a very intentional attitude that
"Salina is going to become a center for touring arts".
Her professional view is that Salina should accept the
Fox and mothball it. The Arts Commission is beginning to
do some long-range planning for the Arts and cultural
life of the city. It could be worked into that. Feels
very strongly that a combination of Public-Private
Partnership would be necessary for it to be successful.
She says there are many examples of successful ones and
very innovative ones. It would be more successful than
just turning it over to the BiCenter or the Arts
Commission to run.
Her personal view is that it is going to be very hard for
the community to turn down the Fox Theater offer. It is a
very special place to Salinans. Even though it is not as
grand as some theaters, it is very nice and important to
many people. Lots of people care about it. She is
concerneq that cost estimates are way too low for
bringing the Fox back to former grandeur and for
retro-fitting it for a performing arts cent~r. Many
things would have to be done: re-do the stage, lighting,
dressing rooms, etc. She agrees with Grimaldi in the
importance of some venture capital or risk capital to
start the ball rolling on promoting in-house some of the
touring acts and groups.
List of other cities & facilities:
Similar projects from other towns are:
Ironwood, Michigan
Dubuque, Iowa
Galesburg, Illinois
Abilene, Texas
Brown Grand - Concordia, Kansas
(a) Ironwood, Michigan
Population: 7,000
Contact: Joan Burchard
Performing art center and old movies theater
70 production a year
1985 started fanfare to restore
500 seats down - 300 seats up
Use of facilities: rent to Art Council (5 profess-
ional touring groups a year)
Fashion Shows
Rock Concerts
Bus Tours
Art a la Carte
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Childrens' Film Festivals
High Schools/Drama ClasS-Plays
College - Theater
Local Musicians
Symphony Concerts
Joint Fund Raisers
Local Retailers
Rent is $250 and an extra $50 for stage lights or
$1.00 per person (larger groups).
(b) Rock Island, Illinois
Population: 380,000
Contact: Denny Hitchcock
Move 864 - 200 -
Dinner Theater - similar to Wichita, KS
Concerts - few
(c) Dubuque, Iowa
Population: 65,000
Five Flags Center (civic center) 319/589-4254
(d) Galesburg, Illinois
Contact: Carol Berry
Use: Stage
City Owns
Rent: Meetings, concerts, ballet,
symphony, local high school
Same staff is used to run and book the civic
center.
"It's a Wonderful Life" (example - major
production)
85 productions a year
5-10 professional
(e) Hutchinson, Kansas
Best use for their theater is to keep it near the
same use because of building codes.
They will have to purchase this theater from
three different groups as one owns the land,
another the fixtures, and yet another owns the
building. The group has offered to sell it to a
non-profit organization.
Resources
1. Rehabilitation and Re-utilization of Astro/
Riviera Theater, Omaha, Nebraska
2. Fox Granada Theater Renovation Feasibility Study
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3. KPL Gas Service Company computer printouts
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4. Information from Leon Hoofnagle,
Dickinson, Inc.
Mission, Kansas
5. City of Salina
6. Salina Downtown, Inc.
G. Goals for Salina: Arts & Heritage Task force sug-
guested that the city provide a feasibility study
for a 2,000 seat acoustically designed performing
arts center and determine whether such a center
could be economically self-supporting.
V. RECOMMENDATIONS & CONCLUSIONS
After reviewing the information and supporting documents,
and considering other uses such as mini-mall, parking
lot, dinner theater, housing, single tenant retail,
office space, night club, we have formed the fallowing
conclusions:
1. The best use for this building is as a multi-purpose
auditorium. This would include visual and performing
arts such as movies, plays, musical concerts, public
and private assembly for business presentations, pub-
lic award ceremonies, religious speakers, school pro-
grams. Additionally, we have found Salina could be
a Midwestern stopping point between Kansas City and
Denver for performances with a facility the size of
the Fox Theater.
2. Because of the significant public interest in the Fox
Theater and its apparent value as an intermediate per-
forming arts facility, we would recommend that every
effort be made to retain the structure. There are
several groups, as indicated by our public survey,
that have indicated an interest and potential use for
a renovated facility.
We realize that significant expense would be involved
in renovation and upkeep. To prevent the building
from being destroyed and explore the financial support
available for renovation and upkeep, we would propose
that the city accept the building as a gift, maintain
the Fox at its present status, then form a committee
to study needed improvements and explore options,
public or private for financing.
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If there is not adequate public financial support for
the project, then we feel the building should be
offered to private enterprise or destroyed.
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KANSAS LIVE RADIO BROADCAST
NOVEMBER 30, 1988
"WHAT TO DO WITH THE FOX THEATER?"
DAVE FOOR, KSAL NEWS DIRECTOR:
GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME, WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH THE FOX
THEATRE IN DOWNTOWN SALINA, THAT THE QUESTION TODAY? OUR TELEPHONE
NUMBER IS 823-1111, IF YOU HAVE AN OPINION ON WHAT TO DO WITH THE
BEAUTIFUL OLD THEATRE DOWNTOWN AND WITH US TODAY IS GERALD COOK
WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOM WILSON WHO IS THE CHAIRMAN OF
NEWLY FORMED, I GUESS YOU WOULD CALL IT , THE FOX THEA TRE TASK FORCE,
IF YOU HAVE TO HAVE A NAME. TOM, WELCOME GLAD TO HAVE YOU WITH US.
THOSE OF YOU WHO LISTEN TO THE PROGRAM ALL THE TIME KNOW GERALD,
GERALD"S BEEN HERE TALKING ABOUT MANY THINGS, BUT THIS IS KINDA
NEW, SOMETHING THAT WE"RE NOT TRYING TO GET, WE ALREADY HAVE IT,
WELL KINDA, NOW WE WANT TO KNOW, DO WE WANT TO TAKE IT FROM
DICKINSON THEATRES AND IF SO, WHAT TO DO WITH IT, IS THAT REALLY
KIND OF WHERE WE STAND NOW?
GERALD COOK: I THINK THA TS WHERE WE"RE AT.
DA VE FOOR: GIVE A REAL QUICK THUMBNAIL SKETCH IF YOU WILL GERALD
OF THE STORY.BEHIND THIS FOR PEOPLE WHO MIGHT NOT KNOW HOW THIS
DEVELOPED, WHAT"S GOING ON.
GERALD COOK: WELL, THE FOX THEATRE IS OWNED BY DICKINSON THEATRES
OF KANSAS CITY AND DICKINSON HAS OFFERED TO GIVE THE BUILDING TO
THE CITY OF SALINA. THE CITY HAS ASKED THE CHAMBER TO CONSIDER BEST
USE OF THE BUILDING IF IT IS ACCEPTED BY THE CITY AND THAT IS WHY
THE TASK FORCE WAS FORMED AND TOM IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THAT TASK
FORCE. AND THE TASK FORCE HAS BEEN MEETING FOR ABOUT A MONTH
NOW, ON A WEEKLY BASIS AND REVIEWING ALL THE INFORMATION WE COULD
GET ON THE BUILDING INCLUDING OLD BLUEPRINTS AND PLANS AND INTER-
VIEWING DIFFERENT GROUPS IN TOWN, GATHERING ALL THE DATA THAT CAN
BE COLLECTED IN REGARD TO THE THEATRE AND THEY WILL SOON START
TO PERHAPS COME TO SOME CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS IN REGARD TO
THE BEST USE AND ALSO WHETHER OR NOT THE CITY REALLY SHOULD ACCEPT
THE THEATRE.
DAVE FOOR: SO TOM, THAT NUMBER 1 QUESTION, I GUESS THE CITY WANTS
TO BE SURE BEFORE THAT INVEST MONEY OR WHATEVER THEY DO TO RENOVATE
OR TAKE OVER THE RESPONSIBILITY OF UPKEEP OF THE THEATRE, FIRST WE
WANT TO DECIDE , DO WE WANT TO ACCEPT IT FROM DICKINSON.
TOM WILSON: YES, I THINK THA TS THE INITIAL QUESTION. WE'VE HAD TWO
NICE ARTICLES IN THE PAPER RECENTLY AND THEN THIS PROGRAM TODAY,
WE'RE REALLY LOOKING FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE CITIZENS, WANT TO FIND
OUT IF THEY WOULD BE IN FAVOR OF THE CITY ACCEPTING IT AND THEN ALSO
IF THEY'D BE SUPPORTATIVE OF IT, BOTH FROM PARTICIPATING IN HELPING
IN THE RENOVATION AND ALSO FROM A FINANCIAL STANDPOINT WHAT, HOW
THEY WANT TO MANAGE IT, CAUSE IT CERTAINLY DOES HAVE SOME EXPENSE
INVOLVED IN IT.
DA VE FOOR: WE'VE REFERRED TO THE QUESTIONAIRE IN THE NEWSPAPER THIS
MORNING, IF YOU'D LIKE TO FILL THAT OUT AND SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS
INDICA TED, YOU COULD DO THAT AND THE GENTLEMEN ARE HERE TODAY, RIGHT
NOW, TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE TO HELP US GIVE US YOUR
OPINION ON ,. I, SHOULD THE CITY ACCEPT IT FROM DICKINSON THEATRES
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PAGE 1#2
KANSAS LIVE-FOX THEATRE
AND '2, IF WE DO, WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH IT AND I THINK ITS IMPORTANT
THAT WE POINT OUT THAT NO DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE, THE COMMITTEE,
THE TASK FORCE HAS BEEN GOING SIMPLY GOING VARIOUS DIFFERENT DIRECTION
GETTING SOME HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND EVALUATING WHAT IS THERE.
I NOTICE WE HAVE AN ARCHITECT ON THE TASK FORCE AND HE'S BEEN
LOOKING OVER THE BUILDING, SO ITS REALLY WIDE OPEN AND THE PEOPLE
ARE THE ONES WHO ARE GOING TO DECIDE , THESE PEOPLE, FROM WHAT I
UNDERSTAND WILL TAKE THE INPUT FROM A PROGRAM LIKE THIS, THE
JOURNAL QUESTIONARIE, THE MAN ON THE STREET OR WHATEVER YOU HEAR
AND THEN PUT TOGETHER A RECOMMENDATION OR RECOMMENDATIONS OF
WHAT THE CITY SHOULD DO AND THEN IT GOES TO THE CITY COMMISSION.
TOM WILSON: THEN IT GOES TO THE CITY COMMISSION. THEY HAVE TO MAKE
THE FINAL DECISION, THEY JUST ASKED US TO LOOK INTO IT, DO SOME OF THE
INITIAL GROUNDWORK.
DAVE FOOR: GERALD, SPEAKING FOR THE CHAMBER, ASSUMING THAT WE TAKE
IT OVER, AND RIGHT NOW THE INDICATIONS SEEM TO BE, AS THEY WERE TELLING
ME BEFORE WE WENT ON THE AIR, SOME SORT OF A MULTI-PURPOSE FACILITY, IS
WHA T SEEMS TO BE THE BEST IDEA AT THE MOMENT. WHAT WOULD THAT DO FOR
THE CITY, WE ALREADY HAVE A BICENTENNIAL, WE HAVE COMMUNITY THEATRE,
WE HAVE MARYMOUNT, WHY DO WE NEED IT?
GERALD COOK: BASED ON THE DATA COLLECTED SO FAR, IT SEEMS TO BE
POINTING IN THE DIRECTION OF BEST USE COULD BE AS A CITY AUDITORIUM
A PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, A PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE AS WELL AS A
FILM THEATRE. AND RIGHT NOW IN SALINA WE HAVE A VERY FINE COMMUNITY
THEATRE. WE HAVE A VERY FINE BICENTENNIAL CENTER, THE PROBLEM IS, THE
SEATING CAPACITY IN BOTH OF THOSE, AND THE TYPES OF PRODUCTIONS THAT
THEY CAN HANDLE. THE BICENTENNIAL CENTER CAN REDUCE ITS NUMBER OF
SEATING FOR A CONCERT OR SOMETHING TO ABOUT 3500 ACOUSTICALLY IS
NOT VERY WELL DESIGNED AT ALL FOR THAT TYPE OF PRODUCTION, FOR ANY
TYPE OF PLAY OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. THE COMMUNITY THEATRE SEATS IN
THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 350 PEOPLE AND IS FANTASTIC FOR COMMUNITY BASED
PLAYS AND PERFORMANCES LIKE THAT, BUT THEN AGAIN ITS NOT AS LARGE
AS THIS ONE. THE FOX THEATRE SEATS 1332 PEOPLE IN AN HISTORIC SETTING
IT WAS DESIGNED AS A PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE AS WELL AS A FILM THEATRE.
AND CAN BASICALLY FIT IN BETWEEN THE TWO, TO CATCH COMMUNITY EVENTS
THAT ARE TOO LARGE FOR THE COMMUNITY THEATRE, BUT ARE MUCH TO SMALL
FOR THE BICENTENNIAL CENTER.
DAVE FOOR: SO IT WOULD HOPEFULLY COMPLIMENT WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE?
GERALD COOK: COMPLIMENT WHAT WE HAVE AND ONE OF OUR TASK FORCE
MEMBERS HAS SURVEYED A LOT OF THE DIFFERENT ARTS GROUPS IN TOWN
THAT PUT ON PRODUCTIONS AND FROM THOSE RESPONSES THAT WE'VE RECEIVED
WE SAW THAT THERE COULD BE A REAL NEED FOR A THEATRE COULD BE USED
FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHILDRENS FILM FESTIVALS, CHILDRENS THEATRE
PRODUCTIONS, COMMUNITY USE FOR TRAVELING SHOWS, FOR CHRISTIAN TYPES
OF PRODUCTIONS. BASICALLY AS A COMMUNITY THEATRE.
DAVE FOOR: FOR WHATEVER I OK, THATS WHERE WE STAND, OUR TELEPHONE
, IS 823-1111 AND WHAT TO DO WITH THE FOX THEATRE DOWNTOWN, TAKE
YOUR CALLS AND BE BACK AFTER THIS. 823-1111 IS OUR PHONE I, AS WE
TALK ABOUT WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE FOX THEATRE DOWNTOWN, SHOULD WE
TAKE IT ON FROM DICKINSON THEATRES AND WHAT TO DO WITH IT IF WE DO,
WE HAVE A CALLER, HELLO SIR, YOUR ON THE AIR, GO AHEAD.
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KANSAS LIVE-FOX THEATRE
CALLER: YES, I PERSONALLY THINK WE, THE CITY OUGHT TO GET INVOLVED
IN FOX THEATRE AT ALL. WE'VE ALREADY GOT ONE TURKEY, OVER IN THE PARK
CALLED CENTENNIAL BUILDING, AND ITS COSTING THE SALINA TAXPAYERS
$300,000 OVER AND ABOVE WHAT THEY TAKE IN, SO WHY SHOULD WE GET
INVOLVED WITH MORE EXPENSE?
DAVE FOOR: WELL, WE'LL THROW THAT QUESTION OUT, THANK YOU SIR.
ANYBODY WANT TO FIELD THAT? GERALD?
GERALD COOK: YES, I'D LIKE TO FIELD THAT. THE CALLER CALLED THE
BICENTENNIAL CENTER A TURKEY, WELL, ITS A TURKEY IN THAT IT FEEDS
QUITE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY. THE BICENTER COSTS THE
CITY PERHAPS $ 300,000 A YEAR IN REVENUE TO HELP SUPPORT IT, BUT IT
BRINGS IN MANY MANY THOUSANDS, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS
A YEAR, IN REVENUE TO THE CITY, OVERALL TO BUSINESSES IN THIS
COMMUNITY, AND TO OTHER GROUPS IN THE COMMUNITY. AND SO IN THAT
RESPECT IT HAS BEEN GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY. ITS PROVIDED A BASE
WHERE WE CAN ATTRACT EVENTS, WHERE WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO ATTACT
CONVENTIONS. ~ND TRADE SHOWS, THOSE THINGS BRING IN MANY MANY
DOLLARS TO THE COMMUNITY. AS A MATTER OF FACT IN THE PAST YEAR
EVENTS, CONVENTIONS AND SHOWS BROUGHT IN OVER $54,000,000 IN REVENUE
TO THE CITY.
DAVE FOOR: TOM, HOW MUCH TALK HAS BEEN GIVEN , CONSIDERATION, I SHOULD
SA Y, HAS BEEN GIVEN , THE TASK FORCE HAS BEEN GIVEN TO SIMPLY PRE-
SERVATION OF THE THEATRE? I REALIZE ITS IMPRACTABLE, ALTHOUGH MANY
OF WOULD JUST LIKE, WHATEVER WE DO WITH IT, EVEN IF ITS NOT USED, DON'T
TEAR IT DOWN, KEEP IT REAL NICE, DUST IT UP AND ALL THAT. YOU CAN'T
DO THAT, I KNOW, BUT HOW MUCH HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT JUST SIMPLY THE
PRESERVATION ANGLE OF AN HISTORIC BUILDING?
TOM WILSON: WELL, THE THEATRE ITSELF IS ON THE NATIONAL HISTORIC
REGISTERY AS OF AUGUST OF 1988. THAT DOES PLACE SOME LIMITATIONS
ON IT , AS FAR AS WHAT THE RENOVATIONS CAN BE AND WHAT THE USES
CAN BE. BASICALLY, IT HAS TO MAINTAIN A SIMILAR USE FOR WHAT IT
WAS ORIGINALLY BUILT, OR YOU HAVE QUITE A BIT OF RED TAPE TO GO
THROUGH TO CHANGE THAT. AT THIS TIME THE FEELING IN THE COMMUNITY
IS THAT WE WOULD CERTAINLY WANT TO HAVE SOME ACTIVITIES IN IT AS
OPPOSED TO JUST AN OPEN BUILDING FOR RENT AND WE'D LIKE TO FIND A
HOME SOMETHING.
DAVE FOOR: BUT PEOPLE CAN BE ASSURED THAT SINCE IT'S ON THE
REGISTERY, WE'RE NOT GOING TO MAKE A PARKING LOT OUT OF THAT?
THAT WOULD BE HIGHLY UNLIKELY?
GERALD COOK: COULD BE A POSSIBLITY.
TOM WILSON: COULD BE A POSSIBLITY, BUT IT WOULD BE MORE
DIFFICULT TO GO IN AND RENT IT.
DAVE FOOR: OK, LET'S TAKE A CALL HERE, HI, THIS IS KANSAS LIVE,
YOU'RE ON THE AIR.
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KANSAS LIVE-FOX THEATRE
CALLER: I'M CALLING IN ABOUT YOUR BUILDING DOWNTOWN THERE. WHY. I
PERSONALL Y DON'T THINK WE NEED IT. COURSE THAT WOULD TAKE IT OFF THE
TAX ROLLS. BUT IF WE COULDN'T PAY THE TAX ON IT. WHY. MAYBE WE COULD
BUY IT REAL CHEAP, SOMEBODY COULD TEAR IT DOWN AND MAKE ANOTHER
PARKING LOT, IT'D BE A NICE PLACE TO PUT ANOTHER LITTLE PARKING LOT
RIGHT DOWNTOWN THERE.
DAVE FOOR: YEA, GREAT. OK, THANK YOU FOR CALLING. THAT'S WHAT
WE NEED IS ANOTHER PARKING LOT DOWNTOWN. PERSONALLY. I WOULD HATE
TO SEE THE BUILDING TORN DOWN, I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD. BECAUSE
WE'RE LOSING THESE KINDS OF BUILDINGS AROUND THE COUNTRY IN MASS, THERE
WAS A SPECIAL ON PUBLIC TELEVISION A FEW WEEKS AGO ON THE OLD MOVIE HOUSES.
DID YOU HAPPEN TO SEE THAT TOM, BY ANY CHANCE?
11 TOM WILSON: I READ ABOUT IT.
If I' DAVE FOOR: GREAT OLD HOUSES OF MOVIEDOM, SO MANY OF THEM STILL BEING
USED OF COURSE, SOME OF THEM ARE IN THE SAME STATE AS THE FOX. THERE
CLOSED DOWN AND IN DANGER OF BEING TORN DOWN AND A LOT OF FOLKS ARE
r FIGHTING TO SAVE THESE THINGS, BECAUSE YOU DON'T BUILD THESE KINDS OF
II. THEATRES AND PROBABLY WON'T. NOW ADAYS YOU BUILD THEATRES IN KIND OF
- A LITTLE SHOEBOX EFFECT, SOME NICE CURTAINS, YOU EAT AND GET OUT. IT
USED TO BE GOING TO THEATERS WAS A REAL EVENT. IT WAS LIKE GOING OUT TO
1[-' THE BALL. BIG. BEAUTIFUL THEATRES AND WE DON'T HAVE THESE ANYMORE.
GERALD COOK: OH. THAT'S ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. ONE OF THE THINGS THE TASK
r . FORCE HAS BEEN WORKING ON IS TO SURVEY OTHER COMMUNITIES ALL ACROSS THE
It' UNITED STATES THAT. HAVE THEATRES LIKE THIS TO DETERMINE HOW THEY USE THOSE.
AND WE HAVE FOUND SOME VERY FINE EXAMPLES IN COMMUNITIES, MUCH SMALLER
I THAN SALINA, THAT HAVE TURNED WHAT WOULD SEEM TO BE A LIABILITY INTO
It ' A TERRIFIC ASSEST FOR THE COMMUNITY, INTO A FOCAL POINT.
DAVE FOOR: I THINK WE'VE STRUCK A CORD, LINES ALL OF A SUDDEN ARE LIT
li-, 'LIKE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE OUT THERE IN THE LOBBY, SO LET'S GO TO THEM.
HI, THIS IS KANSAS LIVE, YOU'RE ON THE AIR.
If - CALLER: YES, I'M REAL IN FAVOR OF THEM REDOING THE FOX THEATRE. IT'S SUCH
l ,A BEAUTIFUL THEATRE FOR ONE THING. ANOTHER THING, I'D LIKE TO SEE THEM
BRING MORE CHILDREN"S THEATRE IN. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN? FOR CHILDREN,
I THEN IF WE COULD BRING IN A BIGGER PLAY OR SOMETHING, I THINK THAT'D REALLY
II BE NEAT. WE'VE GOT TOO MANY EMPTY BUILDINGS DOWNTOWN, I THINK WE OUGHT
L TO DO SOMETHING WITH IT, AFTERALL THERE. DAVE FOOR: SO YOU'D LIKE TO
SEE THE MULTI-PURPOSE TYPE USE? CALLER: YES. DAVE FOOR: YOU COULD
If! USE FOR A LOT OF THINGS? OKAY. CALLER: MORE THE COMMUNITY BUILDING
L.LIKB YOU SAY THE BICENTENNIAL CENTER IS TOO BIG OR THE SALINA COMMUNITY
THEATER IS TO SMALL, TO ME WOULD REALLY BE NEAT, IT'S TO BEAUTIFUL A
If BUILDING TO MAKE A PARKING LOT OUT OF IT, I'D LIKE TO STANGLE THAT MAN
L THAT SAID THAT.
[_"DAVE FOOR: OKAY, MAMM, THAT YOU FOR YOUR CALL. HI. THIS IS KANSAS
I~LIVE, YOU'RE ON THE AIR.
CALLER: YES. I THINK THEY BETTER REALLY SNAP UP THAT THEATRE IN A HURRY.
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PAGE II 5
KANSAS LIVE-FOX THEATRE
DAVE FOOR: YES, PEOPLE HAVE SAID THAT. PEOPLE HAVE SAID, WE HAVE A
REALLY GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY HERE. AND I'M SURE YOU GENTLEMEN HAVE HEARD
THIS TOO, THAT IF WE DON'T DO SOMETHING WITH IT. SOMEBODY WILL. AND
CALLER: AND IT COULD GO BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY THEATRE AND THE BI-
CENTER. BECAUSE WE REALLY NEED SOMETHING IN THAT RANGE.
!I:
GERALD COOK: ABSOLUTELY. SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN MENTIONED
IS THE POSSIBILITY , WELL EVENTHOUGH WE'D HAVE TO GO THROUGH SOME RED
TAPE. LET'S TURN IT INTO RETAIL SPACE. TURN IT INTO RETAIL SPACE OR
II OFFICE SPACE HAS BEEN MENTIONED AND THE ARCHITECT HAS LOOKED AT THAT
AND IT WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE AND WE HAVE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF
RETAIL SPACE ALREADY, WE HAVE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF OFFICE SPACES
I.. VACANT AND THE NEED IS JUST NOT THERE FOR THAT, SO THAT DOESN'T SEEM
TO BE A GOOD DIRECTION TO GO WITH THIS.
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DAVE FOOR: OK, BACK TO ANOTHER CALL. HI, THIS IS KANSAS LIVE, YOU'RE
ON THE AIR.
CALLER: I AGREE W.ITH THE OTHER PEOPLE. I SAY KEEP IT. AND I DO NOT
I[ BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE MADE INTO A PARKING LOT, I FEEL WE HAVE ENOUGH
. PARKING SPACE DOWNTOWN. AND I'D LIKE YOU TO KNOW THAT MY GREAT UNCLE
-. HE HELPED TO BRING THE BRICKS IN, TO BUILD THAT IN 1931. (IT, FOOR) I'VE
r HEARD OF A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE TIES TO THAT BUILDING LIKE THAT.
I IT'S A BEAUTIFUL BUILDING AND LIKE THE OTHER LADY SAID, LET'S USE IT FOR
CHILDRENS THEATRE AND OTHER THINGS BETWEEN THE BICENTENNIAL CENTER AND
1-. THAT, LET'S KEEP IT. IT'S AN HISTORICAL PAPER. ISN'T IT? THA TS WHAT THE
I. SALINA JOURNAL STATED. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, ENJOY YOUR PROGRAM.
DAVE FOOR: THANK YOU. HELLO, THIS IS KANSAS LIVE, YOU'RE ON THE AIR.
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CALLER: YES, THANK YOU. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE FOX THEATRE KEPT AND
USED AS AN INSPIRATIONAL POINT. WE USED TO ATTRACT TRAVELING OPERA
COMPANIES. I THINK THAT WOULD BE AN IDEAL PLACE FOR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
WE MIGHT GET THEM BACK AGAIN.
DAVE FOOR: OK, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. FEEL FREE TO JUMP IN ANYTIME
GENTLEMEN WHEN YOU HAVE SOMETHING 'fO SAY, BUT WE HAVE SO MANY CALLERS
I THOUGHT WE'D JUST GO DOWN THE PHONE LINES AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO
SAY. HI, THIS IS KANSAS LIVE, YOU'RE ON THE AIR.
CALLER: I'D LIKE TO DO SOMETHING REALLY NEAT WITH IT. I'VE GOT LITTLE BOYS
10 AND UNDER. AND I'D LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING PARTICULARLY FOR THE BOYS TO
DO IN TOWN. AND SINCE IT IS A HISTORICAL TYPE BUILDING, LET'S CALL GENE
AUTRY. CALL ROY ROGERS. LET'S GET SOME KIND OF A COWBOY HALL OF FAME
SINCE WE'RE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL. MAKE IT SOMETHING NEAT. (IT.DAVE FOOR:)
f THERE'S A NEW IDEA.
IL DAVE FOOR: THANK YOU VERY MUCH. APPRECIATE YOUR CALL. GOT TO TAKE A
BREAK, BE BACK WITH MORE CALLS AFTER THIS.
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. KANSAS LIVE-FOX THEATRE
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.- -. DAVE FOOR: I KNOW DICKINSON THEATRES SAID IT WAS A VERY TOUGH DECISION
_ TO CLOSE THE THEATRE, IT WAS SIMPLY BUSINESS. UNFORTUNATLY A LOT OF
PEOPLE SAY, BOY, IT'S TO BAD WE DON'T HAVE THE FOX THEATRE TO SHOW MOVIES
ANYMORE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, THEY DIDN'T GO. I REMEMBER THE LAST NITE
i~- THE CLOSING NITE, THERE WERE 15 PEOPLE FOR THE LAST NITE, WHICH IS REALLY
TO BAD. BUT THATS WHY IT WAS CLOSED. OK, MAAM, THANK YOU. THIS IS
KANSAS LIVE, YOU'RE ON THE AIR.
II CALLER: IT'S INTERESTING TO HEAR HOW THE NOSTALGAIC AND ROMATIC COMMENTS
. ABOUT THE USE OF THE FOX THEATRE, HOWEVER THE MAIN THING THAT EVERYONE
-SHOULD KEEP IN MIND IS THAT IF IT INCURS ANY SORT OF CONSUMPTION OF TAX
i .REVENUES THAT ARE ALREADY OVERBURDENED IN OUR COMMUNITY, I THINK IT
SHOULD BE GIVEN SOME HARD THOUGHT AS TO WHETHER OR NOT TO ACCEPT THE
NEIGHBORS HIPPOPOTAMUS, BECAUSE SOMEBODY IS GOING TO HAVE TO FEED IT
i AND WE REALLY DON'T NEED TO BE FEEDING ANYMORE AT THIS TIME. THANK YOU.
DAVE FOOR: OKAY, THANK YOU FOR CALLING. TOM, HAS THERE BEEN ANY
ESTIMATE MADE OF HOW THE CITY WOULD TAKE IT OVER? IN OTHER WORDS,
i- MAYBE WHAT I'M ASKING IS HOW MUCH WOULD IT COST TO KEEP THIS THING
GOING, DO WE HAVE ANY IDEA YET?
... TOM WILSON: I DON'T THINK WE HAVE ANY REAL FIRM ESTIMATES, I THINK WE HAVE
. ONE THAT WAS APPROXIMATELY $20 PER SQ. FOOT. TO DO SOME RENOVATION
INSIDE AND ITS A 14,000 SQ. FOOT BUILDING., SO ONE THUMBNAIL ESTIMATE WAS
I' - THAT IT WOULD BE $280,000 JUST TO DO THE RENOVATION OF PLASTER AND GET
IT BACK IN SHAPE WHERE WE FEEL IT WOULD BE PRESENTABLE. AT THIS TIME
THEY COULD SHOW A MOVIE IN IT TOMORROW AS THE MECHANICS AND ALL ARE
I. IN WORKING FUNCTION. BUT THE PLASTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IN CERTAIN
AREAS.
DAVE FOOR: BUT WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN AS FAR AS LIKE YEAR ROUND ESTIMATES
I OF UPKEEP. MAINTANCE?
.. GERALD COOK: WELL, AS A MATTER OF FACT WE DO HAVE SOME ESTIMATES ON
1,-_ THAT RIGHT NOW AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE COST ROUGHLY RUNS ABOUT $2000
A MONTH. ASSUMING ITS GOING TO BE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK. 365 DAYS A YEAR,
DAVE FOOR: BACK AT IT ONCE AGAIN, OUR GUEST GERALD COOK. SALINA AREA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TOM WILSON, TASK FORCE CHAIRMAN, FOX THEATRE,
WHAT TO DO WITH THE FOX THEATRE IS OUR SUBJECT AND WE HAVE SEVERAL
CALLS STANDING BY, LET'S GO BACK TO THE PHONE, HELLO, YOU'RE ON THE
AIR , GO AHEAD.
CALLER: HI. I THINK IT'S A SHAME THE DICKINSON COUNTY FAIR DECIDED NOT
TO NOT MAKE IT INTO A THEATRE, I USED TO GO THERE WHEN I WAS LITTLE,
I SAW BAMBI, AND GENERAL GIANT AND ALL KINDS OF GOOD MOVIES THERE AND
I GUESS SINCE CENTRAL MALL IS OUT THERE AND WE HAVE ALL THOSE THEATRE
PLACES NOW, I DON'T KNOW, MAYBE WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER THEATRE, BUT IT
IS A SHAME THEY CLOSED IT DOWN, THAT IS A VERY NICE THEATRE, IT'S SO
SUITED FOR THAT. BUT IF THEY ARE LOOKING FOR A USE FOR IT, I KNOW THAT
THE GIRL SCOUT OFFICE COULD USE IT, I KNOW THEY ARE ALWAYS RUNNING AROUND
TRYING TO RENT OUT PLACES FOR MEETINGS AND STUFF AND QUITE A BIT OF THEIR
MONEY IS SPENT ON RENTING OUT OTHER FACILITIES. AND THAT IS A VERY LARGE
AREA AND I KNOW THE GIRL SCOUTS WOULD LOVE TO HAVE IT.
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KANSAS LIVE-FOX THEATRE
AT ABOUT $2000 A MONTH FOR HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING AND THAT WAS
SURPRISINGLY A VERY'SMALL AMOUNT, SO YOU'RE LOOKING AT $24,000 A YEAR
JUST FOR UTILITY COSTS ON IT, PROBABLY LOOKING AT TAXES ON THE BUILDING
RUN AT ABOUT $4600 TO $5400 A YEAR ON THAT AND IF YOU WERE LOOKING AT
AN OVERALL MAINTANCE PROGRAM AND UTILITIES, YOU'RE LOOKING IN THE
NEIGHBORHOOD OF $40,000 TO $50,000 PER YEAR.
DA VE FOOR: OKAY, BACK TO THE CALLERS, HI, THIS IS KANSAS LIVE, YOU'RE
ON THE AIR.
CALLER: YES, MY NAME IS MELINDA KELLER AND I THINK THE THEATRE SHOULD
BE MADE INTO A DINNER THEATRE.
DA VE FOOR: A DINNER THEATRE? WELL, OKA Y, THA TS A NEW ONE, I HADN'T HEARD
THAT, YOU GUYS HEARD DINNER THEATRE THROWN OUT?
GERALD COOK: WE HEARD DINNER THEATRE.
DA VE FOOR: LOVE DINNER THEATRES, THAT QUITE A SIZABLE RENO V A TION,
MAYBE YOU HAVE TO HAVE A KITCHEN FOR ONE THING. NO KITCHEN DOWN THERE.
GERALD COOK: HAVE TO HAVE A RESTAURANT FACILITY OR AT LEAST A CATERING
KITCHEN. THATS THE WAY A LOT OF THESE ARE DONE. AND YOU'D HAVE QUITE
A BIT OF RENOVATION ON THE INSIDE THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE. YOU
WOULDN'T BE CHANGING THE BASIC USE OF THE THEATRE TO USE AS A DINNER
THEATRE, BUT THERE WOULD BE QUITE A BIT OF WORK TO BE DONE ON THE
FLOOR BECAUSE YOU'D HAVE TO HAVE A FLAT TIER SECTIONS IN IT AND YOU'D
HAVE TO PUT IN A CATERING KITCHEN, IF NOTHING ELSE. THERE IS SPACE FOR
THAT, BUT THAT CERTAINLY IS ONE POSSIBILITY.
DAVE FOOR: OKAY, THANK YOU MAAM, APPRECIATE THE CALL. HI, THIS IS KANSAS
LIVE, YOU'RE ON THE AIR.
CALLER: I THINK THEY SHOULD ACCEPT THE BECAUSE THEY DON'T MIND THROWING
MONEY AWAY ON TEARING BUILDINGS DOWN AND MAKING PARKING LOTS ALL OVER
TOWN ANYWAY, SO I THINK THEY SHOULD ACCEPT THE THEATRE AND FIX IT UP.
DAVE FOOR: ALRIGHT, THANK YOU SIR. THE COMMENT WAS MADE TO ME THE
i OTHER DAY , THAT THERE ARE FOLKS WHO BELIEVE KEEPING THE FOX THEATRE
WOULD BE AS IMPORTANT TO DOWNTOWN MAYBE IF NOT AS MUCH OR MORE SO
ONE PERSON AS A LOT OF THE RENOVATION THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE
I BECAUSE WE'RE SAVING AN HISTORICAL BUILDING THATS PART OF DOWNTOWN
ALREADY AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD HATE TO SEE IT, BUT THEN AGAIN YOU
LOOK AT SOMETHING DICKINS THEATRE LOOKED AT. IT'S REAL NICE TO SAY-
I ISN'T THAT A NICE OLD THEATRE AND WE'D SURE LOVE TO KEEP IT, BUT YOU
. JUST MENTIONED THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT SAY $50,000-$55,000 A YEAR JUST TO
. KEEP THE BUILDING FUNCTIONING. SO, WE HAVE TO FIND COMMUNITY SUPPORT,
WE HAVE TO FIND, OR AT LEAST AS MUCH AS WE CAN GOING IN THE FRONT DOOR
I. THAT THERE IS A DESIRE, NOT ONLY TO KEEP IT, BUT USE IT.
COOK. WILSON: YES, THATS VERY IMPORTANT.
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KANSAS LIVE-FOX THEATRE
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DAVE FOOR: YEH, I BET THE PEOPLE IN McPHERSON COULD CALL, THEY'D SAY
I~ HEY, KEEP THAT THING.
I'. DAVE FOOR: OK, THANKS A LOT. YES, McPHERSON IS, I GUESS THEY'VE LOST
THE BATTLE. I BELIEVE THATS ALL OVER, THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, THAT
1-. BUILDING OF COURSE WAS IN TERRIBLE SHAPE, IT WOULD HAVE COST HUNDREDS
OF THOUSANDS. AND ONE THING TO KEEP IN MIND TOO, THIS IS AS WE MENTIONED
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PROGRAM, THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SALINA WOULD
. LIKE TO HAVE, THERE ARE NOT TOO MANY SALINAS THAT HAVE THIS TYPE OF A
I BUILDING I BET. BECAUSE WASN'T THIS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND THE ONLY ONE
. OF ITS KIND, WHEN IT WAS BUILT BETWEEN KANSAS CITY AND DENVER?
GERALD COOK: THE FIGURE BETWEEN $40,000 and $50,000 A YEAR TO BASICIALLY
MAINTAIN THE THEATRE AND DO SOME RENOVATION ON IT AS IT IS OVER A PERIOD
OF TIME. I THINK WHAT WE'D BE LOOKING AT WOULD PROBABLY NOT BE A MASSIVE
INFUSION DOLLARS INTO IT, BUT YOU'D BE LOOKING AT A LONG TERM OVERHAUL
OF THE BUILDING, SO IT WOULDN'T BE A MAJOR DRAIN OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT
ON DOLLARS.
DAVE FOOR: OKAY, TAKE OUR FINAL BREAK, BE BACK TO TAKE SOME MORE
CALLS AFTER THIS. OUR TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 823-1111, TALKING ABOUT THE
FOX THEATRE, HI MAAM, YOU'RE ON THE AIR, GO AHEAD.
CALLER: HI, I'M NOT VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE HISTORY AND COULD YOU KINDA
GO OVER THAT?
DAVE FOOR: WELL, I'LL TELL YOU WHAT, WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO HIT IT IN
ABOUT 30 SECONDS CAUSE WE'RE SHORT OF TIME, GERALD DO YOU WANT TO
TAKE THAT CHALLENGE?
GERALD COOK: Bi\SICALLY THE FOX WAS BUILD IN 1931, IT WAS BUILT AS THE
SAME TIME AS THE UNITED BUILDING, IT HAS A LOT OF HISTOR!CAL SIGNIFICANCE
I GUESS, IN THAT IT IS A VERY ORNATE TYPE OF BUILDING, IT IS ONE OF THE
OLD, WHEN THE WATSON THEATRE BUILDING WAS BUILT IT WAS ONE OF THE OLD
ORNATE, HISTORIC TYPE THEATRES. THEATRES THAT JUST NOT BEING BUILT
ANYMORE. IT WAS A FOCAL POINT, WE THINK FOR THE COMMUNITY AT THE
TIME. WELL DESIGNED ACOUSTICALLY VERY GOOD THROUGHOUT AND YOU JUST
DON'T FIND THEM LIKE THIS ANYMORE.
DAVE FOOR: THATS JUST A REAL THUMBNAIL SKETCH. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
WE JUST MENTIONED TO WHILE WE WERE OFF THE AIR, WHAT A GREAT PLACE FOR
THE SYMPHONY TO PERFORM, #1, YOU MENTIONED THE ACOUSTICS ARE GOOD, THE
A TMOSPHERE WOULD BE SUPER FOR THE SYMPHONY. HI, THIS IS KANSAS LIVE,
YOU'RE ON THE AIR.
CALLER: YEH, I JUST WANTED TO MAKE THE COMMENT, I THINK WE OUGHT TO
KEEP IT. I KINDA GREW UP WITH IT AND MY WIFE BROUGHT SOMETHING UP, McPHERSON
LET THEIRS GO TO POT AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO IT. LOST THE WHOLE COTTON-
PICKING THING. LET'S DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO OUR FOX.
CALLER: I BET IF THEY HAD IT, THEY'D SAY LET'S KEEP IT.
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PAGE #9
KANSAS LIVE-FOX THEATRE
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I.; DAVE FOOR: ONE OF THE ARCHITECTS WHO APPEARED ON THIS PUBLIC TELEVISION
SHOW THAT I WAS TALING ABOUT A WHILE AGO, SOME MONTHS AGO OF THE BIG
OLD THEATRES, SAID PEOPLE WHO HAVE THESE THEATRES JUST SHOULDN'T TEAR
1',',:. THEM DOWN PERIOD. BECAUSE HE WAS SPEAKING AS AN ARCHITECT, OF COURSE
BUT YOU CAN'T REPLACE THESE THINGS. IF YOU WANTED TO BUILD A THEATRE
LIKE THAT TODAY, OH I SUPPOSE YOU COULD IF YOU FIND THE CARPENTERS TO
f DO THAT KIND OF WORK, BUT THE COST WOULD BE COMPLETELY PROHIBITIVE. SO
Ii HERE WE'VE GOT IT AND THE THOUGHT OF LOOSING IT, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO
' DO WITH IT. I AGREE WITH THE THOUGIITS WE'VE HAD TODAY. IF IT CAN BE
TAKEN OVER BY THE CITY AND ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE TO RUN AS A MULTI-
If PURPOSE FACILl'fY' WHERE A LOT OF GROUPS COULD USE IT FOR A LOT OF VARIOUS
t. THINGS, I THINK THA TS GREAT. AND I WOULD REALLY HATE TO SEE THE THING
LOST AND THAT SEEMS TO BE, WE'VE HAD ONLY TWO PEOPLE CALL, I THINK THAT
[- HAVE CALLED AND SAID NO. FINAL WORDS, YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS.
I GERALD COOK: THE REPLACEMENT ON A BUILDING LIKE THIS. IF YOU WERE GOING
I: TO GO IN AND PUT IN 1300 SEATS, AND A NEW PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE OR
I ' A THEATRE LIKE THIS, YOU'RE LOOKING AT MILLIONS. $5-6 MILLION DOLLARS JUST
-, TO TOUCH IT PROBABLY.
GERALD COOK: I BELIEVE THATS THE CASE AND ONE THING TO REALLY THINK
ABOUT, THE THEATRE IS NOT IN BAD SHAPE, IT IS USUABLE, YOU CAN OPEN
IT UP TOMORROW. THE SEATS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE, YOU'VE GOT 923 SEATS ON
THE BOTTOM FLOOR THAT ARE ALL IN EXCELLENT SHAPE, THE HEATING, AIR
CONDITIONING ALL WORK, ITS GOT A BIG CINEMASCOPE SCREEN ON THERE RIGHT
NOW, ITS GOT CURTAINS, AS A MATTER FACT ITS GOT A WHOLE SERIES, PROBABLY
20 DIFFERENT SETS THAT CAN BE RAISED INTO THE LOF'J' SOME OF THE OLD SETS
ARE STILL THERE, AS A MATTER OF FACT. AND, ITS VERY USUABLE AS IT IS
RIGHT NOW, WITHOUT DOING ANY RENOV A TIOI-l AT ALL.
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DAVE FOOR: GERALD HAS MADE NOTES, BE SURE TO FILL OUT THE QUESTIONAIRE
YOU'LL SEE IN THE PAPER TODAY AND SEND THAT IN AND WE'RE REAL LATE, WE
TOOK ONE TO MANY PHONE CALLS TODAY.' GERALD, THANKS A LOT FOR COMING
AND TOM WILSON, THANK YOU. AND WE'-LL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE TASK FORCE
AND SEE HOW THIS PROGRESSES ON THROUGH TilE NEXT FEW MONTHS. THANK YOU
FOR YOUR CALLS, APPRECIATE IT, HA VE A GOOD DA Y .
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