Franklin Cinema Saved?
Few details are known at the moment, but according to parties on both sides of the transaction, Franklin's nonprofit Heritage Foundation and the owners of the Franklin Cinema are nearing an agreement that would save the 70-year-old historic theater. (See "Running Time," July 19.) Mark Bloom, the Nashville real-estate mogul whose Corner Partnership owns the property in downtown Franklin, says that a contract is on the table and ownership could transfer to the Heritage Foundation within 60 days.
Neither side would mention specifics on the price. But Mary Pearce, executive director of the Heritage Foundation, the group spearheading efforts to save the theater, says that both sides have "pretty much agreed on everything." As Bloom puts it, "We have come to an understanding everyone's happy with."
Politically, the agreement may be coming at a good time. The city of Franklin has been discussing plans to build a performing arts venue capable of seating anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 people. A study commissioned by the city advised looking into a smaller, less costly venue as well. With the recent loss of downtown Franklin fixture Sandy's Downtown Grille, renovating the Franklin Cinema could accomplish several goals at once: shoring up Main Street's businesses, providing a needed performing arts venue—and not least importantly, saving a historic landmark that has community-wide support.
Comments
While I never ate at Sandy's, I can say that chef Jason McConnell's Red Pony, on the other side of Main Street from the cinema, is a worthy dining landmark--much in need of an entertainment counterpart.
Posted 08/07/2007 at 01:01:44 PMThat's one of the cool things about a neighborhood theater—it could easily offer dining-special tie-ins with surrounding restaurants. I'd love to see the Belcourt do more of that.
Posted 08/07/2007 at 03:31:57 PMI am thankful that the theater will have a fighting chance. I wish more of Nashville's Theaters had been saved over the years. It would have been nice to go to the Belmont Theater. The cross promotion of businesses with theaters is an idea that has worked very well in other places, Austin, TX being one. Speaking of great things at theaters, WHY OH WHY did they stop doing midnight shows at the Belcourt? Hey, this is fun for everyone and it makes money, WE BETTER STOP IT??? I had an amazing time at every one of those shows. How did it not make money? I sat in large crowds during everything from Breakin 2 to Evil Dead. Listen up Belcourt, give the community what it wants, 12PM, Big Trouble In Little China, Near Dark, etc, etc, etc...
Posted 08/07/2007 at 11:51:22 PMI think your prayers may be answered this fall....
Posted 08/08/2007 at 10:07:25 AMYou want Big Trouble in Little China? Times is hard!
Posted 08/08/2007 at 10:37:31 AMDo tell? And when might my prayers be answered and if so, what will be shown?
Posted 08/08/2007 at 09:06:25 PMBy the way Mr. Pink, any other secrets you want to let me in on, keep them coming...
Posted 08/08/2007 at 09:08:48 PMAnd in response to your question T, I ALWAYS want "Big Trouble In Little China", who wouldn't. When the Pork Chop Express rolls by, you jump on board my friend... And I hope it is scheduled for a midnight arrival!!!
Posted 08/08/2007 at 09:11:05 PMDid you hear that Belcourt, a midnight arrival!!!
Posted 08/08/2007 at 09:13:05 PMWhen some wild-eyed, eight-foot-tall maniac grabs your neck, taps the back of your favorite head up against the barroom wall, looks you crooked in the eye and asks you if ya paid your dues, you just stare that big sucker right back in the eye, and you remember what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like that: "Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yessir, the check is in the mail."
Posted 08/08/2007 at 11:39:18 PMJack, you like girls with green eyes, right?
Posted 08/08/2007 at 11:48:25 PMIt is black blood of the earth...
You mean oil...
No I mean black blood of the earth...