'Star of Broadway:' $2.4 million project to transform Cape's Esquire into indie theater

The Esquire Theater on Broadway apparently hasn't shown its last movie after all.

After weeks of rumors and rumblings, the official word came Wednesday: A $2.4 million plan is in place to renovate the 67-year-old building so it can reopen as a 500-seat art-house theater that shows independent movies.

John Buckner, the building's new owner, made his announcement Wednesday morning at a news conference just outside the theater that has stood derelict for two decades.

"This is an amazing building, and I'm thrilled to be able to bring the building full circle, using it once again for its original purpose," Bucker told a crowd of about 30.

Buckner, who bought the building from local restaurant owner Phil Brinson, said the plan to renovate the two-story brick building will involve state and federal tax credits, but how much the project would qualify for was not yet known Wednesday. Buckner would not disclose the selling price.

Buckner, 42, is the owner of the newly formed Broadway Esquire Entertainment Group, which bought the building. Buckner has hired Kiku Obata & Co., a design firm from St. Louis, and Penzel Construction of Jackson will complete the overhaul of the historic building at 824 Broadway.

Though he acknowledged it may be later, Buckner hopes to open the doors Jan. 21, 2013, exactly 66 years after the theater's first opening night in 1947, when 1,300 moviegoers turned out to watch Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire in "Blue Skies." Buckner did say if not January, the new Esquire will open sometime in 2013.

The design will take six to eight months, Buckner said. The project will take 16 to 18 months to complete once work begins, which Buckner said he hopes will be March.

"We're using tax credits, so we have to create it almost identical to the way the building was," said Buckner, a Farmington, Mo., native, who is also director of sales at Eustis Studios. "We're preserving it to its original state, so we have to try to duplicate everything as close as we can."

While that's the goal, he said, an exact completion time frame is tough to gauge. But Buckner said he was fully committed to making the theater just as it was in 1947, except for small changes that will make it more accessible and convenient for customers.

"This is a significant part of Cape Girardeau's history, and I intend to fully respect the historical integrity throughout this project," Buckner said.

When finished, the theater -- which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 -- will show independent films and allow patrons to buy drinks and food from a wait staff. Offerings will also include student theater and cabaret, Buckner said.

The building looks a mess, but it's structurally sound, said Phil Penzel, president of Penzel Construction. In fact, he called it one of the best he's seen. The soundness of the building was confirmed by a structural engineer, he said.

"The real work is going to come right there," Penzel said, pointing to the remains of the theater's marquee, which collapsed in 2008. But Penzel said Buckner's goal of opening in January 2013 is "definitely doable."

"I get excited about these types of projects," Penzel said, calling the restoration of the Southeast Missourian a few years ago, also done with Kiku Obata, "the highlight" of his career.

"It's a challenge," he said. "I like that."

The idea was formed when Buckner approached Old Town Cape executive director Marla Mills about getting involved in the arts community. As Buckner puts it, one thing led to another and the idea of rehabbing the Esquire "just snowballed."

During the news conference, Mills said that for years she has been telling people one day they would be happy that the Esquire Theater, despite its deteriorating condition, was not torn down.

"And that day has come," she said.

Later, she added, "words alone cannot express our excitement to see this magnificent structure not only saved, but used for its original purpose. John's vision for this structure is exciting and we are looking forward to its completion. ... This building will be the star of Broadway."

The Esquire Theater closed its doors as a movie house in 1984 after a showing of Prince's "Purple Rain." Another company made an unsuccessful attempt to open the Esquire as a discount theater for second-run films, but it closed as a movie theater after just nine months -- this time for good -- in 1985.

Mayor Harry Rediger said during the news conference that he hopes the renovation of the Esquire will serve as a catalyst for future Broadway development. He pointed out that the new Broadway corridor will begin at the corner of Broadway and Pacific Street and that he wants the "empty storefronts and vacant buildings" to be replaced by new development.

"What a showplace this building will be," Rediger said.

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

824 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO