GRANADA THEATRE
THE DALLES, OR
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| Granada Theatre handing over the keys to us day! |
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| Meet the people of The Dalles day. 300 people stopped by to be greeted. |
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| The Granada Theatre now. |
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The GRANADA THEATRE, located on Route 30 in The Dalles, Oregon, is now the sister theatre of our Watseka Theatre! It is three years since we began the purchase efforts and the day is here. On Friday March 31st, the keys to the theatre were officially handed to us by Mayor Steven Lawrence in a public ceremony attended by about 100 local community residents and theatre supporters. It was a beautiful day in Oregon and we could not be happier! The city surprised us by changing the theatre marquee to read as pictured in the top 2 images.
Our plans include renovating the exterior and interior of the theatre in order to preserve the historic building for years to come. And, of course, to bring the same type of live national performers and community events to the GRANADA.
The GRANADA is in the Art Deco Moorish Revival style architecture and was completed in 1930 - four months prior to the Watseka Theatre opening. It was the first movie theatre west of the Mississippi designed (by the Universal Film Corporation) for talkies. More photos will be added so you can see what it looks like now and in the beginning.
Thank you to the people of The Dalles for making us feel so welcomed into your community.
Here we go again!
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6-22-2017
Good Day Everyone Believe it or not, the Granada project is progressing well. What is being accomplished is not yet visible to the eye, but, we are busy little bees. Mostly Chuck at this point! Here is an update of his timeless dedication at the computer regarding research, development & procurement:
- In communication and negotiating with 2 companies about the new theatre seats! Two prototype seat styles and upholstery samples are in production and will be delivered in the next 2-4 weeks. Boy are they true to the 1930's Art Deco vintage styling with modern 'ample' comfort compete with cup holder.
- We are designing the new interior look of the theatre proper. No new construction, only seat placement and walls and ceiling paint. Colors true the Art Deco period are under review and will be presented to the landmark committee at the appropriate time. Oh and like where the theatre organ & pipes will be placed as well as an area dedicated to technical needs for sound and lights.
- Our proposal entered for the "Diamond In The Rough" grant was not funded though we made it to the final cut. Apparently, the Granada is not "rough" enough within the grant guidelines. So onward and upward in our focus.
- There is interest with regards to the Cafe and adjacent small retail space. It is encouraging to communicate with folks interested in being a part of the Granada with their business.
- Historic memorabilia is piling up from photographs to artifacts that Chuck has purchased.
- Applications for our state liquor and food management licenses are in progress.
- We will be in The Dalles in the next few weeks soooooo look for activity at the theatre! Stop by and say HI!
Debra signing off for now...........
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