Byrd Theatre Foundation *finally* buys the Byrd!

Woo!

The Byrd Theatre Foundation is delighted to announce that it has finally completed the purchase of the historic Byrd Theatre, located at 2908 West Cary Street, from the heirs of the Estate of Samuel Warren. Negotiations have been ongoing since 2004, and both parties have come to an agreement which transferred ownership of the theatre to the Foundation, effective May 1, 2007. Final papers were signed today, May 31st. “We have been working toward this for some time,” stated Tony Pelling, President and Co-CEO of the Byrd Theatre Foundation Board of Directors.

Huzzah. The Byrd Theatre Foundation is committed to keeping the Byrd *as* the Byrd. Congrats to them. The full press release after the jump.

HISTORIC LANDMARK BYRD THEATRE NOW OWNED BY COMMUNITY

The Byrd Theatre Foundation is delighted to announce that it has finally completed the purchase of the historic Byrd Theatre, located at 2908 West Cary Street, from the heirs of the Estate of Samuel Warren. Negotiations have been ongoing since 2004, and both parties have come to an agreement which transferred ownership of the theatre to the Foundation, effective May 1, 2007. Final papers were signed today, May 31st. “We have been working toward this for some time,” stated Tony Pelling, President and Co-CEO of the Byrd Theatre Foundation Board of Directors.

Todd Schall-Vess, General Manager of the Byrd Theatre for the last seven years, will remain on staff, along with other key employees. This will allow for continuity of the expertise and experience needed to effectively handle problems unique to the Byrd. “This is a great day for the community, as it ensures the continued operation of this magnificent movie palace,” said Bertie Selvey, Executive Vice-President and Co-CEO of the Foundation Board of Directors and President of the Byrd Watchers, a group of community volunteers separate from the Board and formed to raise money for the preservation and restoration of the Byrd. The Foundation plans to return the Byrd to its 1928 glory!

The Byrd Theatre was first opened to the public in 1928 and has continuously operated 7 days a week, 365 days a year as a movie palace since then. The theatre has two film showings every night – one at 7:15 and one at 9:30; also running weekend matinees. Samuel and Irma Warren purchased the theatre as an investment property in 1983. Well-known for its opulent décor and Czechoslovakian chandelier, the theatre is also home to the “Mighty Wurlitzer”, the theatre’s organ that is played every Saturday evening by Bob Gulledge. Plans for the restoration of the theatre include a new roof, new seats and carpeting, upgrading of the electrical and plumbing systems, and a thorough cleaning of the decorative plaster and art. The Mighty Wurlitzer is also slated for repair.

The Byrd Theatre Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, and several upcoming fundraisers have been planned by the Byrd Watchers. The first event after the Foundation began operating the theatre was a fully-staged production of A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE, starring Julie Johnson in a repeat performance of her critically acclaimed role in Theatre Virginia’s 1995 musical.

According to William Kuehl, Chairman and Co-CEO of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, the Board “is comprised of community leaders and civic-minded individuals.” The goal of the Foundation is to continue to operate the Byrd as a movie theatre and maintain it as a stunning example of architectural excellence. Its vision for the Byrd is to see it restored, sustained, and preserved as a National Historic Landmark & movie palace and as a vital source of entertainment and education to the community. It should be further noted that the mission of the Foundation is supported by local interests and businesses. According to Mr. Kuehl, the Byrd Theatre Foundation has the “enthusiastic support of the Carytown merchants association.”

For additional information, please call Bertie Selvey at 358-9901