Visions For Vacancy: What Should Take the Place of the Shores Theater
The Shores Theater has been vacant since 2007. What would you like to see take its place?
Let's call this a modern spin on community planning—Patch's version of a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table.
Each week we'll present a new vacant building, or parcel of land, and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use.
Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon that puts most people to sleep. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community? Or, if you think you have an inside tip, tell us.
We launch this new weekly series by featuring the Shores Theater on Greater Mack, south of 9 Mile.
For decades the iconic movie house was visited by generations of residents of St. Clair Shores, and neighboring communities, who saw their first movie in the theater, went on first dates there or got their first jobs as a ticket-taker at the Shores.
In 2006, the owners of theater received approval to add screens and expand the facility. The plans were met with some opposition, including a lawsuit over parking plans.
The building has been vacant since 2007, and is currently for sale. While there has not been movies shown on the theater's screens in five years, the location is close to the hearts of many people.
A Facebook page was established, I Remember, Love, And Miss The Shores Theater!(:, and has more than 2,200 friends.
And recently resident Eleonore Ellero-Groth and Mark O'Brien, chairman of Roy O'Brien Ford, have started to meet and discuss possible uses for the building.
"We want to preserve the history of the theater," said Eleonore Ellero-Groth. "I am very optimistic (about the future of the building). People are tired of seeing something ugly in our town. It is sad to see it dilapidated."
While the theater is still owned by Liggett Holdings, the pair have begun discussions about possible uses for the theater and funding possibilities. They also would consider holding a public forum that would include business, civic leaders and the public to share their thoughts and ideas for the building—which needs extensive work.
O'Brien added that in addition to having a business interest in seeing the theater return in some form, he also has a nostalgic interest.
"I saw my first movie there," he said. "It is indicative of the fond memories of the community.
"Every time I go by there, I think it doesn't have to be that way," he said.
Patch wants to know what you think. Take our poll, and share our thoughts for the theater in the comments below.
C.W. Messerschmidt
9:06 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Take a cue from what Ferndale did with The Magic Bag. They show independent films, have "brew & view" nights with cult movies, etc. There is a thriving local film scene here in Michigan as well who would love to have an outlet for showing their productions.
Steven Linville
3:18 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
I think this is a great idea and exactly what I have been saying since 2007!
Cheri Nelson
10:10 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I think a combined dinner theater, with special concerts, entertainment would be a great draw for the city. Something similar to Andiamo's showroom in Warren. Live shows instead of movies.
Sharon Wright Guswiler
10:13 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Personally I think a movie/performance theater would be great. We already have good restaurants in the immediate area that would prosper from pre-event offers/attendance combos.
Keith Poirier
12:42 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Add a parking structure & 3 to 5 screens, problem solved
Stephanie Woolridge
1:25 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I like the theater staying as a theater, but not the traditional kind. I'd like to see a Movie Tavern style place. If I had the money I'd absolutely buy it and renovate.
Movie Taverns have fewer screenings but will serve you dinner and drinks right in the theater. You sit on rolling high back chairs and have a round bar table that you eat/drink from. When you need a refill or a new order you press a button and silently summons a server to your table; so as not to disturb you or others watching the film. Servers place orders via wi-fi using a tablet that submits the order right to the kitchen. The menu's are basic bar fare so you don't need an extravagant kitchen set up, you and your family can watch movies, the adults can drink a beer/wine the kids have their soda and free popcorn! It's a great place: http://movietavern.com/locations/
The group of friends who came up with this idea were really brilliant and they have expanded like crazy over the past few years.
Jill Wrubel
2:41 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Jill Wrubel
Offer a variety of theater venues, some with food/beverage and some without. And book discussion groups with diverse topics and authors presenting.
What about workshops, conferences and forums for reducing stress for corporate retreats, families, teens and general public. There are many programs around the
country offering fabuous genres for team-building, and they look for new and welcoming opportunities ~ This is a great destination for 'theme-focused'weekend' get aways... with the easy access to immediate local attractions and the Nautical Mile.
With a renovation, a small board and a manager with a unique skill set, the possibilities are extraordinary~
Kathy
2:47 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I think a combination of all three would be great for our city. Local groups could perform (plays and music) show movies, and the local high schoolers and amature movie makers could show their movies. It could be restored to look like it did in the past with up to date technology.
Irena Granaas
8:12 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I miss the movie theater and would love to see it bag, but I also like C.W. Messerschmidt's idea of copying the Magic Bag. That would be great!
Carl Bommarito
2:33 am on Friday, February 3, 2012
You need at least an 8 plex to turn a profit. Add Dinner and drinks and you have a winner! The owner was willing to do that. The problem is parking and the neighboring businesses sued. Instead of having a great new venue the neighboring business would rather have this... I have news for you!!! When they have diner and see a show they walk by your business and see what you have to offer! They may walk in! They may come back! So rather than having an active, vibrant business district, you would rather have nothing so your next customer has plenty of space to park when your out of business!
Scott Archibald
2:03 pm on Saturday, February 4, 2012
I am starting to believe that SCS is becoming a city that simply can't help itself. There is a lot of talk about what needs to happen, but when it comes down to action, the city gets scared and pulls away. I love all of the ideas that have been presented. It is encouraging to know that there are people who are talking about these issues and care about the community. The greatest hurdle that this city faces, money excluded, is changing old ideas. We need progressive thinking. The residential population needs to get younger and this will take time.
Steven Linville
3:34 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
I do not think an 8-Plex is needed, especially if a Magic Bag type of business / atmosphere is created. With the right marketing campaigns, promotional materials, word-of-mouth and advertising, I think there would be huge potential! The building would need a complete make-over (which could be beneficial to the entire block); the possibilities are practically endless. The SCS community really needs something like this, and it is a shame the theatre has been closed for so long. In complete seriousness, the owner should take note and invest in a rehab taking it back to a one room theatre or remodeling the two room theatre.
I completely agree about that dinner, movie and the foot traffic will lead to bigger profits for the nearby businesses and even growth in the surrounding area. The Nautical Mile is very close as well! I see so much potential for the theatre, and even called twice to inquire - never receiving a phone call OR email back.
Every other city – Northville, Plymouth, Royal Oak, Ferndale – each have a theatre and people need to walk. Why is parking such a huge inconvenience and problem for the city!!? People have legs, they will walk, especially if there is entertaining, worthwhile and interesting shows, movies and events! Tell me I am wrong.
What can be done to re-open this building and keep it a Theatre!?
The Movie Tavern idea is a great idea! There are offices upstairs that could be put to use as well!