Eric

Not sure what is happening with this building. I was told they were required to put a roof on it a long time ago but never did. Wiley had big plans that fell through and heard there was going to be a Wine/Cheese shop there but that also fell through. The building is nothing but a shell with zero roof and dirt floors – only four brick walls and that is it. Sure, a blank canvas per se with the original facade intact but I have no idea why they would have gutted the building prematurely so no one would be interested in it? That along with no off-street parking on a main street is another issue.

I would think it fall under Blight? Especially in its condition and how long it has been this way. But getting the city to do anything these days is like pulling hens teeth and all you get is passed from one department to the next, no one knowing what the other is doing and no resolution. With this building I can’t help but feel there is some political undertone here with payola.

Eric

The building looks really awful, I can’t believe it’s still standing. Was at the post office the other day and took a look at it. I’m surprised it has not been demolished.

I think their stories would prevent others from entering this type of business agreement or “partnership”.

If you are still reading this, please keep us updated about the East End Theater. I understand that engineering plans have been approved but no construction permits applied for and there are parking (zoning) issues again for this building. We know that work is going on with The Robinson Theater you also own but why hasn’t anything been done with The East End Theater which was first in line?

Eric

And I think there are zoning issues that involve parking for certain types of businesses anyway.

On the other hand this also gets back to the issue that most all of these older business buildings woven within Church Hill were built during the day when people only had one car per family – if that as man had none and either walked and/or took the trolley or bus to where they wanted to go. I know that one owner family member of the north wing of our house that lived there between 1904-1948 remembers his mother walking to American Tobacco to work every day as they did not have a car – and she felt safe doing so. So… parking wasn’t an issue in those days. Today with everyone wanting a car of their own or two or three, yes, there is a problem.

Eric

With only 4 walls and nothing else in-between (or roof or floor for that matter), it would take VERY deep pockets to bring it back and “if” once it was sold, whomever would have to do something immediately.

Is a 69-year old building with very little to work with worth salvaging? And who would sink that kind of money in the building in that area? BIG gamble.

Sad but true.

Eric

A little history that possibly our own “Jason” may have submitted at the Cinema Treasures website…

“…Art Deco theater in downtown Richmond, VA. It opened in 1938 and closed in 1970, and was designed by Henry Carl Messerschmidt, who also was architect of the Lee (now the Grace Street) and Bellevue Theaters in Richmond.”

It had 1 screen and 850 seats.

Eric

*note we don’t want a corporation or business involved that would censor any art –that would take away all the fun.

The Johnson’s were sent a certified letter dated May 11th issuing a notification of deficiencies but must not have replied? The city has to advertise it first which gives the Johnson’s one last shot of legitimately “working with” the city to do something with the building but as they see it as it stands now exceeds criteria for demolition. It isn’t Wiley nor Johnson who is going to tear it down but the city as basically abandoned, dangerous (not in code), and years of not producing any plans for construction.

BTW.. I noticed a link above to an old article about the theater which mentioned it was not in use as such as far back as 1992. I believe it hasn’t been used as a theater since 1970 but it is a shame that the Johnson’s decided to gut it out removing any aspect of original theatrical grandeur that could have been restored.

Eric

I think we all would love it to be a theater. I understand the cost is astronomically, though. But, if it could be done, I really think it would work; especially if it had Saturday Matinees for kids. And maybe have some other multi-purpose use as well, like for dance, drama clubs, or karate even.

I wonder if there are any historical grants, etc. that could be used towards that effect.

Oh, and it seems that there might be a story behind this… let’s get the truth.

“It’s about making a difference.” Lifting her younger son, she says resolutely, “And we want this to be a gathering place.”

Put the rumors to rest, because as of this moment it does not appear that anything is moving forward at that site.

It is basically a giant pigeon coop.

Please, please do not start this rumor, in fact, let’s take this off of the website, if possible.

This website turns into such a rumor mill that noone can do anything worthwhile without comments from the peanut gallery.