Ms. Thuente notes that the opinions in the following are her own, not necessarily those of the North Redevelopment Project Area Committee (NorthPAC) she chairs or its members
(Oct. 21, 2009) -- NorthPAC members have had many informal discussions regarding the Atlantic Theater, but have not taken a stand inconsistent with what is contained in the draft Environemntal Impact Report (EIR).
The Atlantic Theater first was officially discussed more than six years ago. At the beginning of serious discussions regarding the over-all North Village Center project a tour of the interior of the building was given to all interested parties. In addition to NorthPAC members, individuals from the preservationist "community" were present, as were a number of residents of North Long Beach.
Following the tour a special meeting of NorthPAC was scheduled to discuss the theater and its fate. Everyone present was able to offer his/her ideas as to what would become of the building. After much discussion the consensus was that the building should be demolished. Since a quorum was not present, the vote was not a binding decision. As I recall, the result was something like 80% for destruction.
The last official discussion by NorthPAC was at their August meeting when the EIR was presented for our recommendations. Members at that time accepted the findings and recommendations set forth in the document.
Over the years, a number of ideas have been expressed as to how the removal of the building can be mitigated. The method of documenting the structure as described in the draft EIR is one way.
Another way is to replicate the significant portions of the structure - the entryway and terrazo floor, and the tower - by incorporating the features into the design of the new project.
Still another unofficial idea that has been floated is to offer the preservationists the opportunity to purchase the building (for $1.00) to be moved to a new location within a set period of time. The same offer was made regarding the Julian Ship Supply building downtown.
Mind you...the foregoing are just ideas that have been informally "kicked around" by North Long Beach residents - some members of NorthPAC and some not.
Saving old buildings has its value. However, in this instance to preserve/restore the Atlantic Theater would be a major project. The space has not been used as intended for over 25 years. The interior has been seriously compromised by subsequent tenants. The stage has been brought forward so that the auditorium is approximately half the size as originally constructed; seating capacity is roughly one hundred. The original stage and backstage area is now cut up into several small rooms. What was once a balcony is now enclosed for use as a dining room. Any semblance of artistic style or paintings/murals on the interior walls now lie under multiple layers of paint and plaster.
Use of the structure as a library is not feasible. First, and foremost, it is too small to accomodate the library and community facility planned for the North Village. Secondly, there are no windows to allow natural light into the space, and, to preserve the integrity of the building, none could be cut.
Even if restored, what use would be made of the building? Who would operate a theater/playhouse there? Not one group has come forward seeking to do so. Could that be due to a lack of interest in the building? Or is it due to the realization that it is not financially lucrative?
It is time that North Long Beach be allowed to show some progress. Retaining old, outdated buildings in the midst of a project built to today's design standard is not the way to show that progress. North Long Beach deserves a modern, up to date library as a part of that project, not a second best facility in an old relic.
To be honest, LBReport.com, I am surprised that you are even dealing with this issue. This is not new - the fate of this property has been "on the horizon" since 1996. It is not, as they say, news. To be sure, as they say, you are "a day late and a dollar short" this time. The public comment period for the EIR ended September 18. Next step is certification of the EIR by the Redevelopment Agency Board in November. Their decision is final.
LBReport.com replies: Ms. Thuente is correct in two respects concerning us. Although to our knowledge LBReport.com is the first LB news outlet to cover recent EIR developments re the possible demolition of the Atlantic Theater as a separate detailed news story (other outlets have reported the Theater's possible demolition in stories on the overall North Village project), yes, we are sadly late on this. Mea culpa. However, we do think it's newsworthy...and we're grateful to have Ms. Thuente's perspective, appreciated. As for being a dollar short, she's right on that too; we could always use a few more greenbacks. We welcome our readers' responses below to Ms. Thuente's perspective; let us know in what general part LB (or beyond) you are.
