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Post by capncrunch on Feb 18, 2014 15:35:37 GMT -6
Or even rent on demand is cheaper than going to the movies. I have not been to the Majestic in a while. But my kids have gone with friends.
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Post by Kyle Mitchell on Feb 18, 2014 17:36:08 GMT -6
What can't they get in their own towns that you offered them? Almost every town has a movie theater. MM somewhat answered part of that question. A movie palace experience. He didn't mention the thousands of flashing lights and a lot more neon than you see these days, of the classic marquee. There is something about watching a film in that massive of a room. MM didn't mention that the screen is 40 feet wide; Pontiac, Peru, Ottawa, Morris, I don't think any have a screen that wide. You'll notice that it is not a square box. It was built as a vaudeville house before massive sound systems were available, so it was built for acoustics. It has a great sound system on top of that. It was great to put on a reel of Concert for George, Stop Making Sense, or Filmore, and they didn't even have digital sound tracks. I just don't think you get sound as good as the Majestic at theatres in the other communities that I mentioned. I tried to play classic cartoons and catchy, classic snack bar advertisements from a different era before the show. I added special extras to the experience like the Majestic Dancers, a Big Hair Contest, an almost life-size Horton the Elephant, A Bat Signal on the side of the building, etc. I didn't see these type of things happening at other theatres. I spent a lot of money trying to advertise the premium quality of the Majestic movie-going experience, but it was just too hard to get people to come here. I compare the uniqueness of the Majestic's experience to that of the Rt 34 Drive-in. Earlville is a smaller community than Streator, yet I have seen hundreds of cars being turned away from the over 500 car theatre. That tells me that people will travel for a unique movie-going experience. I really do feel that many more people should be making the drive to Streator for movies but are kept away by that reputation that never ends because of our lack of enforcement. The other part of my answer is live shows. I was having concerts, battle of the bands, comedy nights, variety & talents shows, etc. I offered shows that were not available to people in other communities around here. I spent a lot on advertising, personally promoted them and made tickets available in other communities, and really tried hard to bring people here for live shows. We were really struggling, trying to take care of building problems and pay the bills, with not enough people coming through the doors. I already knew from my customers' reactions as they occurred, that the fights were bad for business. It was when going to other communities to promote these lives shows and special events(that weren't available there), that I found out from people's reactions there, how bad these problems really do hurt business here. Streator's per capita retail spending is about half as much as other similar sized communities in the area. Does anyone really think that there is anything good to be gained by allowing these fights to continue? If we were to just start enforcing our laws, putting someone in the back of a car when they fight in front of police, word would start getting around. Some people would be less apt start another fight and others would feel more safe to come downtown. We could take our streets back from these thugs; well, it is a nice dream anyway. In response to your comment of asking a police officer what they can do about fights, no thank you. I really don't care what a local officer says policy here is. Have you heard me say that our City administration needs to start doing things differently? Our City Council, through the City Manager and Police Chief set that policy. No one is going to convince me that it is legal to fight in the streets because there is no way to enforce the laws. It is a matter of having evidence(officer witness is some of the best), I have confidence that we have smart enough officers that gathering that evidence should not be a problem, that is if the Council sets policy and provides resources for them to collect it and complete the rest of the consequence portion of law enforcement. If we have enough funds for fountains and to consider buying properties(reducing tax income), we should have plenty to have enough officers to make our streets safer so that businesses like the Majestic have every last chance to survive. If you try to tell me that it is the District Attorney's office that is allowing crime to continue on our streets, then I want our City to publicly inform us of that. Since they can publicly declare business owners illegal residents when they are not, they should have no problem with that request. Allowing crime to continue is just wrong and because it does hurt business here, our Mayor should be correcting the problem at the SA's office or come out to the public identifying the problem, so that Streator citizens can vote accordingly.
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Post by oldtimer on Feb 18, 2014 19:40:48 GMT -6
Myself,
You continue to leave yourself open to showing you are wrong and it is not drunk people keeping people away from downtown.
Case in point... the Tivoli theatre in downers grove was the third movie theatre to have sound in the united states. The theatre was built in 1927. The problem is the theatre doesn't do as well as people think it should. It has the orchestra pit still there from where the band would play during silent movies.
Why, myself, does this grand theatre not draw as well as one would think? Its basically the same as the majestic.
Is it the drunks walking around downtown downers grove?
NO... its the fact that people like the modern amenities of the new theatres like the stadium seating and 3D movies, etc. Ornot being able to see first run movies the first week they become available. That's not a knock against anyone at the majestic. Its my favorite place to see a movie.
So, while the Tivoli and majestic deserve better in our eyes, to most others its probably not worth the drive when there is a theatre closer that would offer different amentities that the old theatres cant offer.
So, its not the drunks keeping people from downtown streator. There just needs to be more variety to attract more people.
And, I love the majestic!!
So, while I believe you have streators best interest in mind either you don't know what you're talking about or you continue to hold a grudge over your failed aquaponics project, something else you use the city as an excuse.
You need to look in the mirror, myself, and stop blaming the city for all your troubles.
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Post by Kyle Mitchell on Feb 18, 2014 20:12:10 GMT -6
Focus on the positives and the things you can control. Other successful down towns worked together to get shoppers there. I used to work with others, but when the City officials declared me illegal, it really undermined my ability to be effective. I should be able to stand up for what is right and ask for better without having attacks in retaliation. I wouldn't want to have their attacks spill over to groups that I might work with. You mentioned that think positive and work together thing before. Should everyone sing too? "Everything is awesome, Everything is cool when you are part of a team, Everything is awesome." Meanwhile Lord Nobusiness will be ungluing our whole universe!
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Post by helencrump on Feb 18, 2014 21:23:22 GMT -6
Back when we had a thriving down town, with stores like sears, penneys, wards, opdykes, jack n Jill, Woolworths, etc, etc, etc, we had....a reputation of gambling, brawling in the streets, and strip joints. But, people came from all around to shop here.
There used to be many more bars in town than there are now. And they were full at 7am, when Owens and thatchers got off. And businesses in town thrived.
Having grown up during that era, and seeing some big brawls, and drunks stumbling out of those places during the day,I don't think it's the bars and their patrons that stop the business district from thriving.
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Post by Kyle Mitchell on Feb 18, 2014 21:34:14 GMT -6
Case in point... the Tivoli theatre Why, myself, does this grand theatre not draw as well as one would think? Its basically the same as the majestic. Is it the drunks walking around downtown downers grove? NO... its the fact that people like the modern amenities of the new theatres like the stadium seating and 3D movies, etc. So, while the Tivoli and majestic deserve better in our eyes, to most others its probably not worth the drive when there is a theatre closer that would offer different amentities that the old theatres cant offer. What are you talking about? The Tivoli doesn't prove that the drunks brawling in the streets don't keep people away from Streator and old theatres certainly can have the amenities that people enjoy. I can tell you that large screens are a very sought out amenity. What theatre within an hour has a larger screen than the Majestic? Stadium seating? Don't you ever make it up to the Majestic's balcony, they have stadium style seating up there. What other theatres around here have stadium seating? Stadium seating is nothing new, it was the norm with many theatres 100 years ago. There are chains that have been building theatres to mimic other features of movie palaces. There is no reason that an old theatre can't have 3D too. Many people do not like it though. It certainly makes it more expensive to take the family to a show. It is interesting to watch the grosses for films on 2D screens versus 3D screens. In Peru, many times they have more 2D shows of a movie than 3D, that says something. I could give you many examples of successful classic movie palaces. I see the Fox Village on TV often, it is a 1200 seat one screen with a balcony that holds a lot of the world premiers. People do drive for unique and better theatres. The highest quality picture and sound are some of the most popular amenities. The Majestic has the best of that around and stadium seating as well. More people should be coming to Streator. I was there seeing the reaction of my customers with children when the fights have gone on. I am confident that some of them would not be coming back. Having people not come back means less business. I was in other communities talking to people trying to get them to come to Streator, hearing from them that the violence is the reason that they will not come to any of my shows. You weren't there. How can you possibly claim to know that it does not hurt business here? You seem defensive about the drunken street brawl thing. Do you own one of these bars, or are you just someone who wants to make sure that you'll always be able to be served into oblivion?
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Post by Kyle Mitchell on Feb 18, 2014 21:42:55 GMT -6
Back when we had a thriving down town, with stores like sears, penneys, wards, opd**es, jack n Jill, Woolworths, etc, etc, etc, we had....a reputation of gambling, brawling in the streets, and strip joints. But, people came from all around to shop here. There used to be many more bars in town than there are now. And they were full at 7am, when Owens and thatchers got off. And businesses in town thrived. Having grown up during that era, and seeing some big brawls, and drunks stumbling out of those places during the day,I don't think it's the bars and their patrons that stop the business district from thriving. I agree that there are other reasons that there is not much business and never said that the drunken street brawls are the only reason. I am very convince though that it is one of the reasons. It is not good for business. You weren't claiming that it is good for business, were you? Can you not see how it could be bad for business? Don't we need for businesses here to have the best chance possible for success?
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Post by dog on Feb 18, 2014 21:47:54 GMT -6
Maybe you could suggest to the Dr. that he open a store similar to yours, but maybe with a slight twist. Lease space for people to set up their own displays and merchandise. Maybe make small stores inside where people can sell crafts and stuff. I was at the old piano factory in Oregon a couple of months ago and it was a really cool setup. I cant remember how the old JC Penny building was setup, it has been probably 30 years since I had been inside, but maybe he could lease part or all of the 2nd floor to local model railroaders to build a club layout. They had that in the piano factory and I have heard that there actually many model railroaders in town who travel to the suburbs to be part of clubs. Resale and thrift shops seem to do good in this economy. There is always the thrill of finding something older and unique, that you just cant find in those big chain stores. It appears to be trendy to travel to all these towns in the area that have thrift stores. Multiple town rummage sales such as More on 34 and the one along Route 66 do well along with all the thrift stores along those routes. I think it would bring more customers to your store, Kyle, along with the other 2nd hand stores in Streator. It would give the Dr a use for his building, it wouldn't have any type of zoning issues to resolve, so no fights with city hall, and the model railroad club could draw tourists.
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Post by Kyle Mitchell on Feb 18, 2014 21:56:11 GMT -6
We've had just about every kids movie under the sun play in Streator, which is great for those with kids... It is also great for the Majestic. Not only does the family product make more at the box office, the average per person spent at the snack bar is also considerably higher. You should look at those kids shows as the key to them surviving. My kids are grown, and my days of Disney and Lego's are long past... Don't be writing off that Lego show. The adults are coming out of it with bigger smiles than the kids. I haven't watched it all, but from what I've seen, witty and fast moving.
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Post by chevypower on Feb 19, 2014 0:55:40 GMT -6
Maybe open up a Chucky Cheese/kyles Cheese for the kids...... that might bring in the people Kyle lol
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Post by Kyle Mitchell on Feb 19, 2014 7:46:25 GMT -6
Maybe open up a Chucky Cheese/kyles Cheese for the kids...... that might bring in the people Kyle lol What a great idea. There would be built in entertainment; the kids could look out the windows to see grown men exposing their penis to urinate in public. There is a number on the window of the building, give it a call and pursue that great idea. Actually a large family entertainment center was an idea considered by the building owner. A business like that would generate most of it's income in the evenings and on weekends. He was very concerned about people wanting to bring their children downtown in the evenings. The initial and ongoing expenses of a business like that were much greater than an Aquaponics facility. He felt that it was too great of a risk. Go ahead and give it a shot though. Then you would have an opinion based on your personal experiences as too whether downtown is an environment conducive to a family business or not. I would be happy to see Chevy Cheese's become a great success and prove us wrong.
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Post by seaturtle43 in hostile forum on Feb 19, 2014 8:59:03 GMT -6
From my individual perspective I love the look and experience of the Majestic. I think the first movie I saw there was Hairspray. Awesome. I simply can not afford to take three of us regularly and like no1 said, they just don't offer a lot of movies I'm interested in. I have teenagers, not little ones so most of the kids movies dont appeal anymore. So we rent at times and watch Netflix. The bars and "drunks" dont even come to mind. Stores aren't even open in the evenings so I dont go downtown at night for that reason, not because of drunks. As others have said in the past, the downtown was open in the past,as other communities were.I think those times we long gone. Businesses seem to have become a "daytime" operation anymore, but honestly, I dont see how they could operate late in this economy. Kyle, while I agree with and applaud you for much of what you try to do for the business community, when you constantly fall back on the bars as the excuse for all that is wrong you lose me. Most people donĀ“t even see them because the ones going downtown at night are the ones going to the bars. On a side note, is there something wrong with me that I imagine how awesome the Walking Dead would be on the big screen?
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Post by oldtimer on Feb 19, 2014 9:35:42 GMT -6
Myself,
Everybody is chiming in and saying that it's not the drunks keeping people away from downtown Streator.
Streator used to have much more fighting when there were more people living here! Like in the 60's and 70's. YET, people still made their way downtown. In fact, that was the social hub of the town! People couldn't wait to get downtown to shop and hang out.
And, guess what? There were more bars downtown then than there are now! And, many opened at 6am so they were already half in the bag by the time most retail stores opened! Imagine all those drunks getting in fights and urinating yet somehow people managed to get around them to shop, hang out and enjoy the atmosphere. The problem is with Main Streets across the country in general and not just in Streator!
Streator's downtown needs variety. This is what I've been trying to get in that hard little head of yours! You refuse to listen, God love you! You do seem to have Streator's best interest in mind, but you're off base on why nobody goes to Main Streets or downtown areas anymore!
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Post by helencrump on Feb 19, 2014 12:38:20 GMT -6
While I don't visit the majestic weekly, we do catch the movies we want to see there. I've never seen a fight, a body laying in a pool of blood (or a pool of anything, for that matter), or anyone urinating.
Sadly, the only time I hear about these type of things, is on here. You do an excellent job of perpetuating this reputation of bar brawls, men exposing themselves, etc. If people are fearful of coming here, you do a great job keeping it that way.
Makes me wonder, if that's your real agenda. A vendetta raging in you because of the perceived wrongs you've suffered? Its no wonder the owner of the building has been afraid to venture into anything, with your paranoid, vindictive guidance.
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Post by helencrump on Feb 19, 2014 12:44:45 GMT -6
In case he reads this, the ideas here would be great. A place that vendors could rent a booth, and it would be great if there was a little tea room, tucked in a corner!!
Or, an arcade focused on younger children. Laser tag on the second floor?
The train idea would be great, too.
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