BANK OF AMERICA CONSIDERING BUYING RIDGLEA THEATER
According to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Bank of America is considering buying the historic Ridglea Theater on Camp Bowie Boulevard, with plans to remodel the building into a bank office.
The company appears willing to save the structure’s distinctive Mediterranean facade, including its marquee and tower, according to plans reviewed this week by Fort Worth’s Department of Planning and Development. But it also appears that the interior of the two-story theater would be gutted and rebuilt and that an adjoining two-story office building with shops on the ground level would be torn down and the land used for parking, plans indicate.
Historic-preservation advocates are concerned about the building’s fate and want the city to protect it.
The fate of the theater, which opened in 1950 and quickly became a west-side icon, has been up in the air for at least eight months since its Dallas-based lender, FixFunding, acquired the property in October in lieu of foreclosure. That move came after the bankruptcy of its previous owner, R.K. Maulsby Trust of Fort Worth, which was more than $1.1 million in arrears on a note with FixFunding.
To read the full Star Telegram article click: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/06/22/2285174/bank-of-america-considering-buying.html
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FATE OF RIDGLEA THEATER NOT SETTLED, Posted June 23, 2010 by the City of Fort Worth…
In response to the recent community input regarding the future of the Ridglea Theater, District 3 Councilmember Zim Zimmerman released the following statement:
Over the past several days, the District 3 Office has received numerous phone calls and e-mails regarding the fate of the Ridglea Theater. We’ve heard a great number of concerns, and I share many of those. The Ridglea Theater has been an important part of the Camp Bowie landscape, and citizens have a strong connection with this landmark. Unfortunately, the future of this property has been uncertain for quite some time.
All things considered, it’s important that we strike a balance between preserving the character of this community while at the same time encouraging positive redevelopment. This is a delicate balance, but it can be achieved.
Bank of America has shown interest in the Ridglea Theater. That’s good news. The proposed plans to remodel the building into a bank office would adhere to its present mixed-use zoning designation, and Bank of America has shown a willingness to be a good partner and consider preserving a portion of the building and its façade, including its marquee and tower. Although Bank of America has not yet purchased this property, we greatly appreciate their interest in maintaining the character of this important part of our city. Nothing has been finalized, but we will continue to work closely with Bank of America, community leaders, and the residents of the surrounding community to work toward a positive outcome.
RELATED INFORMATION:
Historic Fort Worth releasing 2010 list of endangered places:
- Hazel Harvey Peace House, 1103 E. Terrell Ave., built in 1922; new to the list.
- Getzendanner House, 760 Samuels Ave., built circa 1900; new to the list.
- Bluffs above the Trinity River; new to the list.
- The Ridglea Theater, 6025 Camp Bowie Blvd., built in 1950, and the New Isis Theater, 2403 N. Main St., built in 1935; fifth year on the list.
- Texas and Pacific Warehouse, 300 W. Lancaster Ave., built 1930-31; fifth year on the list.
- Farrington Field, 1501 University Drive, built 1938-39; third year on the list.
- Fort Worth Power & Light, 100-300 blocks of north Main St., built 1912-15; fifth year on the list
Source: Historic Fort Worth
Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/05/25/2216729/historic-fort-worth-releasing.html