Old Town Theater Poised for Its Second Act
The building's owner indicates the historic building likely will again house a theater, but it's not a done deal.
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Although the Old Town Theater has been vacant for most of this year, it’s not yet in its final act.
The city’s Board of Architectural Review on Wednesday night approved current owner Robert Kaufman’s plans to revitalize the building. All it needs now is a tenant, and it looks likely that its next inhabitant will again fill its walls with a silver screen.
Theater owner Robert Kaufman told the board that he hoped “I would tell you that I got a theater, but that has not yet come to pass. … I believe I’m going to end up getting a theater.”
The theater, located at 815 ½ King St., closed and was sold in January after its previous owner, Roger Fons, struggled for nine years to keep it running. Kaufman has been entertaining ideas to convert the space to retail or keep it as a theater, if the proper tenant could be found.
Kaufman on Wednesday evening explained his architectural plans to the board and reiterated that he intends to keep the iconic Old Town Theater letters but slim down the marquee.
At the meeting, John Hynan of the Historic Alexandria Foundation said Kaufman’s new presentation shows improvements, complimenting the redesigned marquee for appearing smaller and plainer without being “over illuminated” and “over sized.” He added that he would have liked the new plan to recess the doors as they were in 1914, but said he ultimately hoped the board would approve the plan.
Historic preservation advocate Boyd Walker spoke in support of the theater’s new design, adding that he owns the development across the street and it’s “important to our tenants how this building looks.” He also suggested that the latest design add sign boards if it’s to remain a movie theater.
Board member Wayne Neale said he believed that under current building code, if it remains a movie theater, the new tenant probably would not have to go before City Council for a special use permit because it would be considered “continual use.”
Member Chip Carlin commended Kaufman for his ability to respond to comments from the community urging him to keep it a theater and said Kaufman’s “commitment to design — whether it goes retail — should be commended.”
Future tenants are supposed to submit final plans before the BAR.
Miss the Snack Bar
12:13 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Very good news, glad Mr. Kaufman is trying to keep it a as a theatre and keeping the marquee (w/ updates). Hope this version goes better than the last.
Edgar Warfield
2:03 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
This 'ol Democrat looks forward to again taking in a movie on King Street. I appreciate what Roger Fons ws trying to do and that he kept the landmark around, and I hope that its future is brighter.
Boyd Walker
7:43 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
The preservation of this historic landmark is a great story. I really appreciate that the new owner of the building Rob Kaufman is giving serious consideration to a theater, and the improvements he plans to the building will be a nice addition to the neighborhood. BAR member Wayne Neal said the economic impact of this building being a theater that will attract people to neighboring shops and restaurants, and so has a greater impact.
Larry Traub
8:07 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
The theater seemed to be thriving in the years that it operated more as an "art house," showing indie films, etc. that you couldn't see anywhere else in the area. Whomever was booking the films at that time was doing a great job - I would go every week.
Roger had some good ideas, like food and drink, but the only reason that I would see a film at the Old Town was to support Roger.. Why would anyone want to see a first run film in a theater with bad sound and a lousy picture when you could drive 5 minutes and watch in a state-of-the-art theater. The second screen idea was also a bad one, he couldn't contain the sound bleed.
I would love to see an indie/art/foreign film house at that site. I would be happy to buy a membership, prepay tickets, etc. to support it. I hope it works - it would be great for the community...
Sharon
9:17 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
I applaud Rob Kaufman and suggest he check out the Avalon Theatre, which opened on Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase-DC in 1923. It reopened in 2003 as the non-profit Avalon Theatre Project. The independent theater has diverse programming that includes first-run films, documentaries, and special programs for families and seniors. Neighbors flock to the theater and support it through memberships, although no one needs to join to see the movies. A recent fund-raising campaign has brought in close to $2 million to renovate the theater, add an elevator and a cafe. It is a huge asset to the neighborhood. It would be great for the community here in Alexandria.
lawgal
10:12 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
Good points above. If it remains a theater, it will have to find a market beyond the teen and kiddie multiplex audience.
Linda Couture
12:05 pm on Friday, April 6, 2012
It was such good news to learn that Rob Kaufman purchased this property since he does quality work when restoring buildings he buys. Keeping this as a cinema is the best use--does anyone remember when we had to stand in long lines for tickets? Other cities have successfully retained small boutique theaters (Doylestown, PA; Woodstock, VA; West End Theater in DC., to name just a few) so I for one will be happy to work with Rob and others to keep Old Town's cinema vital and successful.
Shelley
8:51 am on Saturday, April 7, 2012
So glad to see the preservation of this building, King St. wouldn't be the same without it.
shayne johnson
9:10 pm on Tuesday, May 8, 2012
It doesnt matter to me who owns it. Just get some movies running. I liked the idea of the last owners, but as this owner will find, parking is a major issue there
jennifer
9:46 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
of course it matters who owns the building- as was proven with the previous owners.
slum owner= theater will not be maintained=marketing will be nonexistent= poor staff quality=the decline in the quality of the films/shows= people will not come back= owner can not pay their bills= theater closes AGAIN.