Thursday, May 23, 2013
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Plans for 4th Avenue Theatre Restoration Surface OnlineSeattle-based architecture firm Hinthorne Mott posted a picture on Facebook of a model depicting what the downtown Anchorage landmark would look like.Related Content
It is the news many in Anchorage have been waiting years to hear--the 4th Avenue Theatre looks like it is going to be restored.
Peach Investments, owner of the theatre, hired Seattle-based architecture firm Hinthorne Mott to create a model of what the downtown landmark would look like after restoration. The firm recently posted a picture of the model on its Facebook page. The company said the interior would be completely restored to its original state, and three stories of office space above the theatre would be added. The offices would have a separate entrance. The plans are the first tangible sign since 2009 -when Peach Investments purchased the theatre- that they plan to restore the historic building. However, what Peach Investments will do with the building once it is restored remains unclear. Many possibilities have been tossed around over the years, but were mothballed when the national recession hit in 2008. In CBS 11 News’ View From City Hall, Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan said he has heard one plan is getting dusted off. “Shortly after I took office, the owners of the property, the Fang family, had brought in the people from the Hard Rock Café,” said Sullivan. “The Hard Rock Café people had looked at the interior and they were very impressed by the wood and everything in there. They have a reputation of trying to take existing buildings and not just gutting them and creating a Hard Rock Café, but using the interiors of these historic buildings as part of the theme within their restaurants.” But Sullivan said soon after that visit, the international chain backed off any expansion plans because of the national recession. “The rumor I have heard is they may be back and looking at that property again,” he said. The Hinthorne Mott plans show the original elegance of the 4th Avenue Theatre will be restored. The art deco exterior, mural panels and woodwork are to be kept intact, which Mayor Sullivan said is a good sign. “A property in the heart of downtown needs to be a functioning property,” he said. “Whether it is this particular opportunity or whether something else comes along, we keep our fingers crossed that the private sector will come up with a good project there that is viable for a long, long time.” Neither Peach Investments nor Hard Rock Café returned calls for comment. |
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michael renwick said on Monday, Mar 18 at 8:05 AM
like i said i have never been there my mom has told me things like how g reat it is and the things the showed so the should keep it like it is and let us see how it was back then and let us see so let them reopen it please
116342162michael said on Tuesday, Feb 5 at 9:10 AM
i think we should reopen it cause i have never been there but i have heared so mean storys and i would like to see for m self how great this lace once was
112899801Anne said on Monday, Apr 23 at 12:37 PM
Please do not make it into a Hard Rock Cafe. The last thing the downtown area needs is yet another tacky bar. I would like to see it used for things similar to its original purpose. Could Whistling Swan Productions hold their concerts there? Could the Beartooth use it for movie showings. Could it be rented out for special galas, weddings, fundraisers, etc. Lets keep it classy.
88582215Aleah "Crockett" York said on Thursday, Nov 17 at 9:11 AM
This is the comment my little sister emailed to all of us "Alaskan" siblings who all now live in Utah: "YAYEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!This is SOOOOOOOOOO cool!!!!!!!!! When Jesse(her husband) and I went there a couple of years ago, when I saw how the building was all boarded up, it hurt my feelings. I have such wonderful memories of that place. I’m sure all of you do too. Almost makes me wanna cry. Wouldn’t it be the coolest thing to go there all of us together?" We were born (in Old Providence as well)& raised there from the 40's till our father was killed driving for the pipeline in'76. That old wonderful theater is where he took us ALL the time! His love for movies & such have been instilled in us! Yes, Oldmanrains, progress is necessary, but to keep history alive is grand! You can work out the parking, Shannon..when there is a will there is a way! Can't wait to see it again. We LOVE Alaska & our memories!
77085192Myrtle M. Wilson said on Sunday, Aug 28 at 9:59 AM
Restore it and keep it like it was, the pride of Anchorage. My husband helped build it the the beautiful place it was. Once the old is gone, it is gone forever. Save your 4th Ave. theater!!
73038761Michael H. said on Saturday, Aug 27 at 4:52 PM
I was Born in Anchorage in 1949 in the Old Providence Hospital on 9th and L street. My thoughts are this. I have treasured moments there put a vote out to the Anchorage People and I am sure someone out there has a GREAT IDEA for just the perfect thing to reopen THE 4TH AVENUE THEATER. I would hate to see anything in that Building destroyed. What an ICON it is. MISS ANCHORAGE VERY MUCH NO PLACE LIKE HOME...
73017181MaryR said on Saturday, Aug 27 at 2:46 PM
I have seen movies, live theatre and musical events in the 4th Ave Theatre. The theatre as it was in the 50's and 60's was an experience. New theatres are nice as well but it just isn't the same experience. Alaska is fortunate to have had and is currently having movies shot here i the state and several of right here in Anchorage. Wouldn't it wonderful to see them premiere here in the fully restored -4th Ave theatre ? I think it would
73013888oldmanrains said on Thursday, Aug 25 at 11:35 AM
Come on I have lived here all my life most people have never even been in the the building.The only thing famous about the place is the old sign that hangs out front. History is in photos and books and those that lived it we can not and should not try to save every little thing from the past.Its called progress moving forward not back or standing still what a waste of time and money glad I am not paying for it.
72909554Gerald said on Thursday, Aug 25 at 11:14 AM
Is this theater on the registry of historic buildings? If not, it should be. This is one of my first memories as a child of two and a half, also I spent countless Saturdays there looking at the "stars" blinking in the ceiling, waiting for the movie to start. The stage was also used by local talents and national celebreties who performed. This building is a work of art and should be restored to its former glory!
72908208Shannon said on Thursday, Aug 25 at 10:46 AM
Oh can you imagine the parking nightmare that would cause? You know how packed the current parking lot gets....
72906626CJ said on Thursday, Aug 25 at 10:43 AM
Bear Tooth should buy this out and actually turn it into a theatre again. Live music and shows owned by Alaskans with homemade brews. Stay original Peach investments!
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