Curtain falls on Beach Theatre
28.09.11
Preservationists tried for years to save building
CAPE MAY – The curtain finally fell on the Beach Theatre Monday as an excavator began its task of taking the 1950 building down.
"The entire city has mixed emotions," said Mayor Ed Mahaney, who was on-site as the demolition of the theatre took place Tuesday afternoon. "Once we examined the legal issues and the condition of the building, it was obvious that the building could not be restored."
The city issued a demolition permit Monday.
"The Frank Investments group has a demolition permit only for the theater portion of the building, that is, the auditorium of the theater that is most easily viewed from Stockton Place," Mahaney said. "The front of the building will be retained, as will the shops on either side."
The 860-seat Beach Theatre opened in September, 1950, with a showing of "Father of the Bride," starring Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy. The building was designed and built by architect William Harold Lee, and was part of the William C. Hunt chain of theatres throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, according to historical information compiled by the Beach Theatre Foundation, a nonprofit that attempted to save the building.
Source: Shore News Today