http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Admiral-Twin-Rebuild-Update/xZYSNpxBGU2eZq3QBF8m7Q.cspx
FOX23 talked with Admiral Twin owner Blake Smith he says he'll be making some big announcements in the coming weeks, but he is committed to reopening the drive-in in 2011.
Conch Hampton remembers the afternoon of September 3rd, 2010.
"I was driving on 244, stuck in traffic," he told FOX23.
Suddenly, Hampton realized why cars had stopped.
"First, I thought like a gas station exploded or something, and then I noticed ... I was like, 'Whoa that's the drive-in.'"
A favorite weekend hangout was gone.
"We'd go there every month or two months to check out a movie," he said.
Conch hoped the owners would rebuild. Back in September they told FOX23 that would cost $300,000.
"When it went down, everyone asked if we were going to rebuild. And at the time I said probably not. And then I was surprised that Tulsa rallied around it," Smith told FOX23 in a September, 2010 interview.
Fundraiser after fundraiser popped up across town.
"I donated some," Hampton said.
But since his donation, a 6-month intermission.
"I would have imagined that they would have done something, fairly soon, at least started something by now," he said.
Smith says a little more than $30,000 has been raised from fundraisers.
"They have had lots of stuff like that that's been for that cause, there's lots of contributions for it, it really makes you wonder where stuff like that goes," Hampton remarked.
Currently, the money's at the bank collecting interest. Conch hopes construction can start sooner rather than later.
"I guess if its 6 months, a year (that's ok). I mean five years or something that'd be a little ridiculous."
Smith says the biggest factor pushing him to re-open the Admiral Twin is the drive-in's mortgage that he's still making payments on, even though it is closed.
I realize this topic has been cussed and discussed a lot on this forum.
But am I the only person in town who is beginning to think that the rebuilding is just not going to happen, and we are going to lose another of our landmarks?
There is a reason no one is building drive-in theaters any more. I believe the Admiral Twin is gone forever,
I feel empathy for the Smith family in trying to raise the money.
One part of the brain feels very nostalgic about drive-ins, and the Twin specifically for the alternative experience of not having to take out a loan to take the tribe to see a movie, especially since the Twin was running first run flicks.
But the side of the brain that is not covered by the tin foil hat also tells me that the business model of a drive-in is not really a viable one with the advent and changing technology.
The business model of a drive-in compared to sitting in the La-Z-Boy in your BVDs and punching up Netflicks is one that will probably not dominate the market.
Um, like Conch, dude just chill out man, it like takes some serious ca-ching to do these things duuuuude.
Quote from: Gonesouth1234 on February 23, 2011, 10:05:52 AM
I feel empathy for the Smith family in trying to raise the money.
One part of the brain feels very nostalgic about drive-ins, and the Twin specifically for the alternative experience of not having to take out a loan to take the tribe to see a movie, especially since the Twin was running first run flicks.
But the side of the brain that is not covered by the tin foil hat also tells me that the business model of a drive-in is not really a viable one with the advent and changing technology.
The business model of a drive-in compared to sitting in the La-Z-Boy in your BVDs and punching up Netflicks is one that will probably not dominate the market.
They still make BVDs or do you just never buy new underwear?
Quote from: sgrizzle on February 23, 2011, 10:20:40 AM
They still make BVDs or do you just never buy new underwear?
He was referring to them in the present tense. "Sitting in the La-Z-Boy in your BVD's and punching up Netflicks..."
Not as if they went the way of drive ins.
I hate, hate, hate, to say this, but I do not think that this thing will ever get rebuilt. I hope it will, but I do not believe it will...... :'(
It's gone, Tulsa. Get over it.
The question does arise about how he was able to get a mortgage on an ancient piece of property/equipment like that without some type of insurance coverage?
Wouldn't that be even worse than the mortgage mess we are just now emerging from? At least the ones that busted our economy had an insurable house involved. Big banks playing fast AND loose....
^^^Roar...
Interesting thing to be brought up since I was just discussing this today with a co-worker. It seems to me that when it first happened there was a rush by everyone to help bring it back, but in the weeks following it, there was no real movement by Smith, or any serious commitment on his part to do anything. I think everyone lost faith in his willingness to resurect it and the movement lost all momentem. It would take a lot to get the ball moving again.
I still can't get over the burning question - how do you not insure you only real asset???
Quote from: cannon_fodder on February 23, 2011, 10:25:41 PM
I still can't get over the burning question - how do you not insure you only real asset???
the story he is sticking to is that it was uninsurable because it was made of wood.
Quote from: custosnox on February 23, 2011, 11:00:08 PM
the story he is sticking to is that it was uninsurable because it was made of wood.
Insurance company was right there. But that reissues the question of how he got a mortgage on it. Bank was not so smart as the insurance company I guess.
The mortgage probably took into account the land value, as well as the operating/income figures. The area the Twin sits on is surely worth some coin of the realm, and probably took into account the value of a going, established business; but who knows how profitable it actually was. (Bells?)
The mortgage may have been designed to provide the Twin with cash flow due to being a seasonal business, and income from the other 2 movie houses the Smiths operate was probably a consideration as well.
Plus, the location of the site would also have to be counted in the value.
Location, location, location.
IMHO, the site is probably not one that would appeal to a major retailer, but does have high visibility from 244, although not easy access.
Look at the location of Best Buy on the old Children's Medical Center site.
High visibility, but almost an "event" to get to, or as the industry says, a "destination" type of location.
Well, at least we can all rest easy in the knowledge that the owner at least got $30,000 for watching the thing burn. Thanks Tulsa for being so supportive! Bye, now!
Someone emailed me yesterday telling me the cinema at RWC had closed. Can anyone verify or dispute?
Quote from: Conan71 on February 24, 2011, 02:02:14 PM
Someone emailed me yesterday telling me the cinema at RWC had closed. Can anyone verify or dispute?
I highly doubt it... but you can call them yourself.
http://www.selectcinemas.com/contactus.htm
Also foreclosed on: The midcontinent tower...
http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=32&articleid=20100529_32_E1_Traffi370046
The last thing the bank wants to do is to kick out the tenants and fold ship
I heard that all businesses would remain open.
Quote from: BKDotCom on February 24, 2011, 07:47:19 PM
I highly doubt it... but you can call them yourself.
http://www.selectcinemas.com/contactus.htm
Also foreclosed on: The midcontinent tower...
http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=32&articleid=20100529_32_E1_Traffi370046
The last thing the bank wants to do is to kick out the tenants and fold ship
Of course the "someone" was AOX/FOTD so take it for what it's worth.
Quote from: BKDotCom on February 24, 2011, 07:47:19 PM
I highly doubt it... but you can call them yourself.
http://www.selectcinemas.com/contactus.htm
Also foreclosed on: The midcontinent tower...
http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=32&articleid=20100529_32_E1_Traffi370046
The last thing the bank wants to do is to kick out the tenants and fold ship
That's got to be one of the most jacked-up foreclosure actions in American History. 16 years after it being filed and it's still not gone on the block yet?
Good luck recovering that $400+mm in bond interest
Quote from: Conan71 on February 25, 2011, 01:48:01 AM
That's got to be one of the most jacked-up foreclosure actions in American History. 16 years after it being filed and it's still not gone on the block yet?
Good luck recovering that $400+mm in bond interest
The point being, it's business as usual at these places... Reading the Tulsa World or KOTV comments and people think the shopping center is going to be having an-everything-must-go fixture sale.... someone had their eyes on the Los Cabos bar-stools...
Quote from: BKDotCom on February 25, 2011, 07:35:59 AM
The point being, it's business as usual at these places... Reading the Tulsa World or KOTV comments and people think the shopping center is going to be having an-everything-must-go fixture sale.... someone had their eyes on the Los Cabos bar-stools...
Yes, the intelligence level is lacking on the comments sections. I'm surprised your eyes aren't bleeding from reading on below the story. ;)
Quote from: Conan71 on February 25, 2011, 09:12:43 AM
Yes, the intelligence level is lacking on the comments sections. I'm surprised your eyes aren't bleeding from reading on below the story. ;)
Oklahoma's voting pool.
Quote from: Conan71 on February 25, 2011, 01:48:01 AM
That's got to be one of the most jacked-up foreclosure actions in American History. 16 years after it being filed and it's still not gone on the block yet?
I thought I had read in the last year or two that they were actually thinking about doing the auction sometime.
http://www.ktul.com/Global/story.asp?S=14176566
Good news?
Admiral Twin Drive-In to reopen, owner says
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=478&articleid=20110303_478_0_TeAmrl582025 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=478&articleid=20110303_478_0_TeAmrl582025)
By MICHAEL SMITH World Scene Writer
Published: 3/3/2011 9:27 AM
Last Modified: 3/3/2011 9:42 AM
Continuing Coverage: Read more about the Admiral Twin, watch videos and more.
The Admiral Twin Drive-in, a Tulsa landmark that saw its giant, all-wood screen burn to the ground six months ago, is expected to reopen this summer, one of the owners said Thursday.
Donations of more than $30,000 poured into a "Save the Admiral Twin" fund after the September blaze that razed the nine-story screen. Co-owner Blake Smith said those donations will go toward rebuilding, in addition to his own additional funding.
"I believe we have a commitment on a (Small Business Administration) loan, and refinancing of my original mortgage, but I haven't got it signed just yet," Smith said, "but I think I can say that we're right to the point of rebuilding."
The new structure would be eight stories and made out of steel, as opposed to the nine-story wood structure built in 1951. There will again be twin screens for viewing, Smith said.
"The plan is to begin rebuilding this spring, and we'd love to reopen by July 4," Smith said, estimating that once construction on the tower begins it should be completed in 60 to 90 days.
The cost of rebuilding is about $300,000 for the screen and some new amenities at the drive-in, Smith said.
By MICHAEL SMITH World Scene Writer
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=478&articleid=20110303_478_0_TeAmrl582025
Definitely encouraging, but I'll believe it when I see it.
I still think Tulsa Parks should buy the drive in and turn it into a city park. If the financing could be worked out to rebuild, it seems it would at least pay for itself over time and be self-sustaining. Some updating and a playground structure would go a long way. My sincere hope is that it is saved, but there were a lot of things that could have been done before all this at minimal cost. I'm still not convinced that the prize money for rehab ($30,000 was it) was spent anywhere on the site. Maybe there are high priced projector maintenance issues or some things that wouldn't be apparent to a patron, but I've never heard the owner make a clear case for where the money went. He nearly Robby Bell'd that place into the ground before all of this. Also, while I do my best not to pass judgement from the little I know, I'm not convinced he didn't torch the thing.
I think he would be crazy to torch it himself. Not an insurance event. He had a nice little cash cow there that has done well for years and could have continued without the fire.
Projectors should have survived the fire ok. They were quite a ways off. (The money is in his pocket!)
I bet rebuilding will be a whole lot more than 30k. I haven't done any construction in decades, but I think that would be kind of pricey. Could the level of business support that investment. Might be kind of dicey. Probably not.
One in Texas cost $250,000 in 1956. I'm thinking today might be a little more.
http://www.crossroadsdrivein.com/
Quote from: jne on March 03, 2011, 12:27:41 PM
He nearly Robby Bell'd that place into the ground before all of this.
Excellent description
http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/plans-to-rebuild-admiral-twin-announced
Quote from: Hoss on March 24, 2011, 10:25:47 AM
http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/plans-to-rebuild-admiral-twin-announced
This is good news.
Even if the screens won't be the original height, let's hope that the plans are close enough to the original to continue the style and the tradition of the Admiral Twin.
Anybody been by Gunboat Park lately?
Quote from: Gonesouth1234 on March 25, 2011, 10:06:28 AM
This is good news.
Even if the screens won't be the original height, let's hope that the plans are close enough to the original to continue the style and the tradition of the Admiral Twin.
Anybody been by Gunboat Park lately?
Rode around it last week, why?
Quote from: Gonesouth1234 on March 25, 2011, 10:06:28 AM
Anybody been by Gunboat Park lately?
I live right by it. Does that count?
More good news about the Admiral Twin.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=282&articleid=20110413_282_A1_CUTLIN740734
And now things are being delayed
http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/admiral-twin-drive-in-in-tulsa-delayed-in-rebuilding
Quote from: custosnox on May 03, 2011, 06:56:06 PM
And now things are being delayed
http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/admiral-twin-drive-in-in-tulsa-delayed-in-rebuilding
That was quick
I heard that the new one will be a bit smaller. So far no work has started. I hope everything comes together.. I live just block or so away from it.
i don't think the admiral twin will open this summer. i think mr. smith needs to step aside.
Quote from: allspunout on May 17, 2011, 10:26:57 AM
i don't think the admiral twin will open this summer. i think mr. smith needs to step aside.
Why do you think that? He said in the story start of construction is delayed but they should be up and running first part of July.
Quote from: allspunout on May 17, 2011, 10:26:57 AM
i don't think the admiral twin will open this summer. i think mr. smith needs to step aside.
When you say step aside, what do you mean? He owns the dirt the theater sat on. It isn't a non-profit or a municipal asset. It is a private business, it is totally he and his bankers prerogative when and whether they ever re-open.
Good Newz here. It looks like the work has started on the re-building. Yesterday They had trucks in there clearing up the old screen wall and a backhoe was digging. It really won't take all that long to build, the new screen will be all steel so it should go up fast. I live just two blocks away from it. I did hear that the new screen may be a bit smaller I hope it won't be noticeable smaller. I liked the design of the old screen with those 4 big "chimney-like" stacks on top. Hard to believe a movie screen could be that expensive to build. Anyhow this is great news. I'd like to see the white speaker poles fixed up, but guess that won't happen the money is tight.
Why do you need the speakers? The theater broadcasts the movie in FM to your car radio.
Quote from: carltonplace on May 25, 2011, 12:55:59 PM
Why do you need the speakers?
So you know where the parking spots are.
lol
Excellent, news.. I am glad to hear that it is moving forward.
Quote from: carltonplace on May 25, 2011, 12:55:59 PM
Why do you need the speakers? The theater broadcasts the movie in FM to your car radio.
For looks and historical reasons- it also shows you where the parking spaces are too. I did not mean they should get the speakers working, I figured more like a fresh coat of paint and fixing the bent and crooked poles so they would look all neat and in straight in rows. It would be nice to have the speakers working for that old time 1950's feeling, but I know that won't happen. But they are starting to bring the Admiral back and that's a good thing. I bet on it's first opening day it'll be real busy. :D
Wow, he actually at least did come through the area. I saw the backhoe out there today, though I didn't notice it yesterday.
Quote from: custosnox on May 25, 2011, 07:46:33 PM
Wow, he actually at least did come through the area. I saw the backhoe out there today, though I didn't notice it yesterday.
Bah! Smoke and mirrors. Still hasn't provided any of us with proof that he's a resident.
Quote from: Hoss on May 25, 2011, 09:11:34 PM
Bah! Smoke and mirrors. Still hasn't provided any of us with proof that he's a resident.
No need to, it's just George Kaiser getting his ya-ya's.
Quote from: Conan71 on May 25, 2011, 09:27:07 PM
No need to, it's just George Kaiser getting his ya-ya's.
Really? By badmouthing the trails he paid for, obsessing over a drive in, touting the benefits of oil (it really is the future), Walmart and Mary Fallin? Diabolical.
Quote from: carltonplace on May 26, 2011, 08:25:49 AM
Really? By badmouthing the trails he paid for, obsessing over a drive in, touting the benefits of oil (it really is the future), Walmart and Mary Fallin? Diabolical.
He does own Kaiser Francis Oil Co. ;)
Quote from: Hoss on May 25, 2011, 09:11:34 PM
Bah! Smoke and mirrors. Still hasn't provided any of us with proof that he's a resident.
Ask me if I care what you think. If you can't believe what someone tells ya- I can't help that....Maybe your on Mars using smoke & mirrors yourself. Anyhoo, So far not much more activity has happened at the Admiral, no steel or frame work arrived, just digging & digging. Dunno what is going on. ???
Quote from: sauerkraut on May 27, 2011, 01:47:48 PM
Ask me if I care what you think. If you can't believe what someone tells ya- I can't help that....Maybe your on Mars using smoke & mirrors yourself. Anyhoo, So far not much more activity has happened at the Admiral, no steel or frame work arrived, just digging & digging. Dunno what is going on. ???
Obviously you do if you bothered to reply. You don't come to any TNF functions, you don't provide any photos. My opinion stands until you provide otherwise.
Quote from: Hoss on May 27, 2011, 03:19:10 PM
Obviously you do if you bothered to reply. You don't come to any TNF functions, you don't provide any photos. My opinion stands until you provide otherwise.
:'(
there is now an official groundbreaking date, if not a finish time http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/groundbreaking-for-new-admiral-twin-june-11-
Quote from: custosnox on May 29, 2011, 11:50:23 AM
there is now an official groundbreaking date, if not a finish time http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/groundbreaking-for-new-admiral-twin-june-11-
I'd like to try & make that ground breaking event I live right near it, they kept pushing back the date. I guess the grand opening is now going to be in August instead of July as first mentioned. For awhile there I was wondering if it would even be re-built. Smith had a hard time finding someone to draw up the plans for it since drive-ins are no longer being built.
Quote from: sauerkraut on May 31, 2011, 02:18:52 PM
I'd like to try & make that ground breaking event I live right near it, they kept pushing back the date. I guess the grand opening is now going to be in August instead of July as first mentioned. For awhile there I was wondering if it would even be re-built. Smith had a hard time finding someone to draw up the plans for it since drive-ins are no longer being built.
Feel like learning how to post pics?
Quote from: Townsend on May 31, 2011, 02:38:22 PM
Feel like learning how to post pics?
Little hard to do when you own a Brownie, and have a hard time finding someone cheap to process the film.
Quote from: dbacks fan on May 31, 2011, 02:42:34 PM
Little hard to do when you own a Brownie, and have a hard time finding someone cheap to process the film.
Whoa...pretty sure that's illegal in Nebraska and Oklahoma
Quote from: Townsend on May 31, 2011, 02:47:18 PM
Whoa...pretty sure that's illegal in Nebraska and Oklahoma
:D Yeah guess I should have said Brownie camera. ;D
Actually that whole statement is just wrong.
Quote from: Townsend on May 31, 2011, 02:47:18 PM
Whoa...pretty sure that's illegal in Nebraska and Oklahoma
And possibly Ohio and Texas...
Quote from: Townsend on May 31, 2011, 02:38:22 PM
Feel like learning how to post pics?
Post a picture of what? Nothing is being re-built there yet. It's just a empty lot. They did some digging there last week but now it's stopped, they just left a dirt pile there to carry on. ???
Send us a picture of your old heap then.
Quote from: sauerkraut on June 02, 2011, 02:18:32 PM
Post a picture of what? Nothing is being re-built there yet. It's just a empty lot. They did some digging there last week but now it's stopped, they just left a dirt pile there to carry on. ???
Well let's see it cowboy.
I see they are having a ground breaking ceremony this weekend for the new screens.
http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/groundbreaking-set-for-admiral-twin-drive-in-theatre-in-tulsa (http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/groundbreaking-set-for-admiral-twin-drive-in-theatre-in-tulsa)
I drove by over the weekend. Some trench work has been done. And the sign mentioned the groundbreaking ceremony. And Thanks Tulsa note.
They are still talking about more delays. I think the thing for Saturday is still on, Let's hope so.
Quote from: sauerkraut on June 08, 2011, 10:25:00 AM
They are still talking about more delays. I think the thing for Saturday is still on, Let's hope so.
"they" who?
Quote from: Townsend on June 08, 2011, 10:28:49 AM
"they" who?
The little voices he hears in the back of his mind that tell him he is not alone in this world.
The steel delivery is behind, the contractor is having problems. Dunno if they settled all the legal mumbo jumbo either, however, it does look like Saturdays big thing is on though.
Quote from: sauerkraut on June 09, 2011, 10:37:14 AM
The steel delivery is behind, the contractor is having problems. Dunno if they settled all the legal mumbo jumbo either, however, it does look like Saturdays big thing is on though.
Great. I can't make it Saturday. Post some pics.
Anyone here go to the big opening on Saturday? I missed it but did stop in around 11am and a channel 8 news girl was driving out of the gates at that time. People were still looking around the rubble and taking pictures. The box office ticket booth had fire damage (west side) I did not know that caught on fire to. That place just screams 1950's. I'm glad it's coming back to life.
They said on the news that the new screen will cost $400,000! WoW! (They said the cost was $300,000 back in 2010) I'm just glad it's coming back. I guess they will improve the projection house & box office too so maybe that's why it's $400,000. The new screen looks like it will be very nifty. :D
They had the ground breaking last Saturday and still as of today no work is being done- It's just as it always was. Maybe the seel is on order from China.
Quote from: sauerkraut on June 16, 2011, 01:33:05 PM
They had the ground breaking last Saturday and still as of today no work is being done- It's just as it always was. Maybe the seel is on order from China.
Ground Breaking ceremonies are mostly "ceremonial".
Quote from: carltonplace on June 16, 2011, 01:59:12 PM
Ground Breaking ceremonies are mostly "ceremonial".
...and Kraut's claims of residency are horse pucky. Life goes on.
Quote from: sauerkraut on June 16, 2011, 01:33:05 PM
They had the ground breaking last Saturday and still as of today no work is being done- It's just as it always was. Maybe the seel is on order from China.
Looks like the opening of the drive-in will be pushed back to 2012, Smith had problems getting permits and going thru red tape.
I hope everything works out. Smith had to get a study done to see if the drive-in was in a flood zone and then get a permit. I guess he also had to get a permit from the EPA to insure nothing will be harmed and no animal will lose it's home. The steel has just been ordered so it'll be awhile before we see any flicks there. Smith got a $400,000 loan and plans to re-do the rest rooms, snack stand and ticket office.
Quote from: sauerkraut on August 27, 2011, 01:33:45 PM
I hope everything works out. Smith had to get a study done to see if the drive-in was in a flood zone and then get a permit. I guess he also had to get a permit from the EPA to insure nothing will be harmed and no animal will lose it's home. The steel has just been ordered so it'll be awhile before we see any flicks there. Smith got a $400,000 loan and plans to re-do the rest rooms, snack stand and ticket office.
Source?
Quote from: custosnox on August 27, 2011, 02:22:03 PM
link?
http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=283&articleid=20110820_282_A15_CUTLIN517376 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=283&articleid=20110820_282_A15_CUTLIN517376)
Quote from: Noodlez on August 27, 2011, 02:50:52 PM
http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=283&articleid=20110820_282_A15_CUTLIN517376 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=283&articleid=20110820_282_A15_CUTLIN517376)
And that's last month? Someone's living on a different time scale...
Quote from: Noodlez on August 27, 2011, 02:50:52 PM
http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=283&articleid=20110820_282_A15_CUTLIN517376 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=283&articleid=20110820_282_A15_CUTLIN517376)
And I wasn't being lazy, he is just notorious for making claims and never citing a source, much less providing a link.