We've gotten a little bit of clarity over what Landmark Theatres has in store for the historic Guild 45th Theatre in Wallingford and, to be honest, we're not any less confused.
After finding out that the Guild 45th was being put up for landmark status, which is often a precursor to a sale, PSBJ tried to find out exactly what plans are for the 97-year-old iconic theater. The answer is...not entirely an answer.
Landmark Theatres hired Hetzel of ICF International (Nasdaq: ICFI), to shepherd the landmark nomination through the city process. Before his presentation to the board on Wednesday, he said Landmark is exploring divvying the Guild into some small movie theaters, said Landmarks Preservation Board Coordinator Erin Doherty.
Another city employee, Lois Maag, said Hetzel also talked about how the owner is exploring "reuse of the building." Regarding that, "No one asked him to define it, so we have no idea what he meant or was suggesting," Maag said.
The Landmark Preservation Board will decide on May 18 whether or not the theater, which is comprised of two separate buildings, will be deemed a city landmark. At that point, we'll probably start to hear something more definite. That stretch of Wallingford is evolving and it wouldn't be surprising to find out the whole place is on the fast track to Mixed-Use Complex City but we'll hold out hope for now that some form of preservation is in the cards.
· Guild 45th: The big old Seattle movie theater could become 4 or 5 smaller ones [PSBJ]
· Is a Sale Imminent For Guild 45th Theatre in Wallingford? [CS]