Friends of the Princess Theater

08/24/2018

The Princess Theater is dead. The space is leased to a restaurant. Flickering hope to revive the theater, like the marquee, is extinguished.

I (David Prytherch) want to thank Friends of the Princess for your passion and optimism and hard questions over the years. In different circumstances we might have helped "Save the Princess." We tried.

What a long saga of missed opportunities. First offered as donation to the City, the 1913 building was purchased by investors Rodbro/Rodbro/Myers/Wood. After brief operation, there was a fire. Redevelopment promised a new theater, but produced only student housing. An great operator was interested, but attempts to broker a deal -- including economic development incentives -- were not enough. The result is a sad day for Oxford, Ohio.

But while the historic building is demolished and Uptown has no movies, we at least have memories. In November 2012 I saw "Wreck-It Ralph" with my youngest daughter. The plot was terrible and floor sticky, but we shared a movie Uptown. The next day the marquee went dark, and this saga started. But I will cherish that last, best, matinee.

What memories do you share?

Rest in peace, Princess Theater. Long live the Princess!

08/19/2018

This week is make or break for the Princess Theater. As more of Uptown is leased for international restaurants, a last ditch effort could bring movies back to benefit all of Oxford. On Friday building owners, Esquire/Danbarry Theaters operator, and City officials met to find a way forward. Important conversations continue. A win-win deal is in reach, but it won't be easy. And community support could make the difference. Friends of the Princess: Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned for how you could help.

05/04/2018

The story of the Princess is still being written. How will it end?

Building owners are willing to lease to a theater at discounted rates. Esquire/Danbarry Theaters wants to operate a theater Uptown. Neither can risk building out the theater alone. But civic leaders are trying to bridge the gap, exploring econ. development loans and public-private partnerships.

It's an historic moment for Oxford. We'll either get a deal soon or likely never have movies Uptown again.

More than 3500 Friends of the Princess like or follow this page. You've endured many plot twists and turns. I'm not sure how this will end, and the odds remain long. But stay on the edge of your seat, and stay tuned... David Prytherch

11/03/2017

Don't give up hope yet, Oxford.

03/25/2016

Any questions about the theater can be addressed to owner Lindsey Myers (513) 280-2714.

10/31/2013

After a year of darkness, the Princess marquee again lit Oxford’s Halloween parade. The theaters are being cleaned (two buckets of dried gum so far) and films lined up. Very soon the theater will again welcome community for movies in historic Uptown.

The Princess is saved. Now it’s time for the business of movies.

Thanks to everyone who supported the Princess, including the 1,545 who liked this page.

Let’s now show our support by enjoying movies again, and patience as the new owners explore ways to build a successful business.

So after tonight this “Save the Princess” site will become simply “The Princess Theater,” a place for the new owners to share information about progress and coming attractions. That’s the way it should be.

But let’s stay committed ‘Friends of the Princess,’ and ensure the marquee stays bright forever.

10/23/2013

One of the new Princess owners Lindsey Myers shared this great Oxford Press article with this post: "Something Good is Coming to Oxford!!! LIKE OR SHARE IF YOU'RE EXCITED!!!" What's not to like about this good news?

OXFORD — The reopening of the Princess Theater next year will bring an expanded and improved movie-going experience to the city, the new owners say.

09/24/2013

Nice story in the Miami Student on the recent purchase of the Princess by local businesspeople, and plans for restarting the theater.
http://www.miamistudent.net/news/community/sleeping-beauty-is-kissed-awake-by-capitol-investors-1.3066388

The Princess Theater on High Street is officially on track to reopen her doors to Oxford, though future owner Lindsay Myers said the specific date remains unknown.

09/18/2013

GREAT NEWS for all fans of the PRINCESS THEATER!!!! Rumors confirmed: A group of local businesspeople has closed on the property, and intend reopen it as a theater.They are working with an architect and an industry consultant to update the equipment and theater space, and are exploring paths to re-opening.

Long term plans include renovation and redevelopment of this property in Oxford's historic Uptown. However, according to one of the new owners "To be clear, our motivating factor for entering the space was the continued operation of the theater UPTOWN. "

Let's wish them well as they work to revive our neglected Princess, and support any future theater that serves Oxford's diverse market. Anyone else ready to buy a ticket for the first showing?

07/01/2013

The Princess closed late last year, and there's hardly been news in 2013. The marquee remains depressingly dark. But apparently serious offers have been made to Aliance Entertainment. See this post by Alan Kyger, Oxford Economic Development Director. Let's hope the Princess gets a creative new owner who cares about this historic building and bring movies back to Uptown. Sensitive redevelopment is possible here...

It's been 6 months since the Princess Theater closed. I had hoped to be able to provide more news sooner than this. Recently two separate prospective buyers toured the site. I understand both groups are very much interested in keeping a theater at this location. I believe both groups made significant purchase offers. Something could break soon. We'll see.