Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Our
mission to protect, preserve and revitalize Pasadena's historic
Raymond Theatre.
Friends of the Raymond Theatre is a community-based non profit
organization which was formed by the former Raymond Theatre
manager and concert promoter, Gina Zamparelli. Friends of the
Raymond Theatre has been in existence for 17 years, and currently
has 7,000 supporters worldwide.
The
organization was formed to meet the challenge of saving the
Raymond Theatre from redevelopment. Through our work we have
kept the Raymond Theatre standing 17 years past the date of the
first demolition notice.
We
have also developed a project and business plan that will allow
the Raymond Theatre to be self-sustaining and would not require
any city funding.
Every year we update our business plan to meet industry
changes. We have engaged the assistance of both corporate
sponsorship brokers and entertainment professionals. We have
evaluated restoration costs, gathered documentation from the
city on necessary code work, variances and permits.
Architects have assisted us with estimates on restoration and
renderings for the redevelopment of the theatres adjoining
parking lot. We have also brought several buyers forth who
were financially able to implement the vision for the project.
The owner has not excepted any legitimate offers to purchase the
property to date.
We continue to hold promise
that we can find a buyer who is able to convince the city and
the theatre owner that the Raymond Theatre is a vital historic
and cultural resource worth saving.
