Laserfiche WebLink
M THE AVON THEATRE <br />A. geview and Recommendations <br />B. <br />though not part of the original feasibility study, the Department of <br />onomic Development has requested that we review the proformas <br />apared for rehabilitation and operation of the Avon Theatre as a second <br />movie house. <br />le have conducted this review and make the following recommendations: <br />The Avon Theatre should be included in the Entertainment District, <br />rehabilitated and managed by the Entertainment District Board of <br />Directors. <br />. The program of the Avon Theatre should be that of a single screen "art <br />film theatre." <br />The operation of the Avon Theatre should not be expected to carry <br />acquisition, reconstruction, or amortization costs. <br />Admission to the Avon should average $2.50 per person. <br />Operating a two screen second run movie house in the South Bend <br />market seems at best a marginal business. The proforma prepared by Willis <br />Johnson, a second run movie house operator with considerable experience in <br />the Chicago area, does not support such an operation, particularly if the <br />operation must carry all of the re- construction costs and show a profit for <br />the operator as well. <br />Mr. Johnson's proforma is based upon a second -run house with an average <br />ticket price of $1.50 per person. We believe his conclusions are correct: <br />that is, a second -run house would fail. Our recommendation is that the <br />Avon be rehabilitated into a single screen, art film house, with an average <br />ticket price of $2.50 per person. The Mid -West art film houses, which we <br />have surveyed, are operating, single screen, at an average price of $3.00 <br />per person. <br />-34- <br />