We would like to be clear on our position. We do not and will not approve of any plan that includes retail as an option for the Warner Theatre. We do not believe that a retail conversion is in the best interest of protecting the historic original features of the theatre. We believe that leveling the floors, taking out walls and all of the seats, cutting the balcony in half and removing the four rows and stage rigging is not reversible. We take issue with the fact that the owners and developers have not presented any alternative options for the Warner Theatre other than retail. We believe this is unfair to residents and the community. We believe that the owner(s) claims that the theatre will never be a theatre again and their efforts to deceive the historic commission, the city, and the community into believing that it cannot be done, and that retail is the only profitable solution is outright FALSE, as the option to convert the theatre into a multi-use, entertainment venue or performing arts theatre/community art center (which would be potentially highly profitable) has NOT been explored. We disagree with the discovery of the numbers pertaining to the cost of converting the theatre into retail space, as presented to the historic commission, which were completed in 2006, by a group that was not allowed access to the theatre. We believe that while the building is privately owned, the community should have a voice in preserving the historic features of the theatre and that all options should be considered before taking actions to alter the original interior. We will NOT support this plan, it is NOT the best option. When the proposed retail plans are unsuccessful, and when the damage has already been done, it will only further hinder our efforts to preserve this historic art deco theatre and return it to the beautiful place it once was, before conversion and demolition of the interior. We can and MUST prevent this from happening, as we have an intact, historic theatre, fully capable of being restored and utilized making it a centerpiece for the arts in the Southeast.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:39:39 +0000
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