Public come out in force for LaSalle Theater Open House

Over 130 interested residents braved the cold winter weather to sneak a peek at the LaSalle Theater this past Monday evening. While the LaSalle Theater, which originally opened in the late 1920s, currently has no heat, the lights were on inside and the marquee was lit as people walked through the vacant theater and envisioned what the space could become. You could feel the energy and interest in the air as strangers greeted each other and shared this own recollections of the theater from its heyday and others compared notes on what it might take to return the LaSalle Theater, which originally sat about 800 theater-goers, to its proper grandeur.

In the crowd was Jeff Ramsey, executive director of Detroit Shoreway Development Corporation, the CDC responsible in helping with the restoration of the Capitol Theater at E. 65th and Detroit. Ramsey, a fan of old theaters, shared, "The LaSalle is in much better shape than the Capitol was [before the restoration]."

After the public tour, attendees packed the training room at Federated Auto Parts to hear a brief presentation from Northeast Shores. While warming up with Arabica Coffee and pastries from Dave’s Markets, residents listened attentively to a brief presentation from Wendy Sattin of CNDC. Ms. Sattin’s presentation covered the assets of East 185th Street and shared some national examples of theaters that were successfully converted into productive community assets. Throughout this visioning session, there were positive comments from those that attended about what a great landmark the LaSalle Theater can be for East 185th Street.

After the presentation, each attendee was offered the opportunity to share one idea for the reuse of the LaSalle Theater. After all the ideas were offered, attendees voted for their favorite concepts. The top ten ideas were: 1) Multifunction Entertainment Center, 2) Micobrewery, 3) Farmer’s Market, 4) Satellite location for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 5) Center for Local Film Makers, 6) Brewpub with Movies, 7) Euclid Beach Carrousel site, 8) Bookstore, 9) Comedy Club, 10) Community Theater.

Attendees repeated a couple of general wishes: 1. That the LaSalle historic structure be restored if possible, and used as one big space, rather than be cut up. 2. That the LaSalle becomes an anchor for the street and destination location that ties in to and supports other activities and businesses on E. 185th and the Waterloo Arts District.

With these results, Northeast Shores’ staff will attempt to contact individuals that have had success in the top suggested areas to see if we can find an entrepreneur interested in taking on this new exciting venture. Those interested in following our journey to find an entrepreneur should check our blog regularly at www.northeastshores.org. Those wishing to become more involved, might consider joining the Northeast Shores Commercial Development Committee. The next committee meeting will be held at Northeast Shores (317 East 156th Street) at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 27th.