An Interest Worth Watching
Could local bands soon see their names lit up below the neon Tower Theater sign?
Over the holidays a curious a discussion popped up over the long dormant Tower Theater on NW 23rd. The landmark is pretty much all that’s left in terms of major hurdles to be overcome as surrounding storefronts are being redeveloped into upscale shopping or hip restaurants and bars.
The theater at 425 NW 23 was originally purchased by a partnership consisting of music promoter Scott Fife, Marty Dillon, Matt Goad and Terri Sadler-Goad back in November, 2005. They initially hoped to have it reopened as offices upstairs, and a live music venue and independent cinema in the theater. But those plans were delayed again and again, the partnership changed, and in recent years Marty Dillon, owner of Party Galaxy, was left to trying to obtain financing for what turned into a far more difficult than realized redevelopment project.
The Art Deco-style property was built in two phases. The storefronts, which include a second floor of office space, were built in 1926. The strip included a TG&Y and C.R. Anthony’s in its heyday and was the city’s premier suburban shopping corridor until Shepherd Mall opened in the early 1960s. The theater was added in 1937, and its neon sign was even featured in the opening backdrop to early episodes of “The Tonight Show” when it first was hosted by Jay Leno.
The theater has been vacant for at least a decade, and its decline dates back much further. Thanks to a grant, the neon sign was fixed and re-lit a couple of years ago. But just a couple of months ago, with redevelopment all around the landmark gaining momentum, Dillon acknowledged he was still struggling to obtain financing.
Enter into this discussion Jonathan Fowler, owner of Fowler Volkswagen and a beloved figure in the local music scene. Could this discussion be the start of better times ahead for the Tower?
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Comments
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I would love to see this gem revived. The last time I was there was for a midnight show of Rocky Horror and the venue has such good bones. My concern is parking. Please tell me this can be fixed or planned for .
I am a life-long Okie and seeing the Tower Theater revitalized as always been a dream of mine. I think Oklahoma City has some great venues, but we could really use one that has more intimate and artistic atmosphere. When I walk into the Diamond Ballroom, its cold, unwelcoming and concrete. Unfortunately the last few shows I’ve been too the security has been completely out of control. They were physically pushing people out the door right after the show, leaving now time for socialization between the artist and their fans. When I go to Cains in Tulsa, the artist are able to spend more time with fans after the concert, and there are places to go right next door, so you don’t have to be rushed off the property. I’m not a wealthy person, but if I were I would be in line to help finance a project that would restore such a great venue, but if there is anything the community can do to help this dream become realized I am ready and willing to do my part.