Sikeston city government orders movie theater closed

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Tuesday was the last picture show for Sikeston. On Wednesday city officials informed the Malco Trio Theater its building was no longer in compliance with city codes and must be closed.

City Manager Doug Friend said the closure came after efforts by the city to encourage the property owner and Malco officials to bring the building into compliance. The property, located at 1045 E. Malone Ave., is owned by Central Realty, a St. Louis-based company, and rented by Malco Trio Theater.

Trey Hardy, community redevelopment coordinator for the city, sent a letter on Sept. 16 requesting an inspection of the building's interior following numerous complaints about the condition of the building. He requested Bob Horn with Central Realty and a representative of Malco accompany the compliance officer during the inspection.

According to Friend, only a Malco representative accompanied the city official.

"Over the years we have received numerous complaints about the condition and overall appearance of the building," Friend said. He noted among the most recent complaints was one made at an Aug. 1 public hearing where Jimmy Tashie, executive vice president of Malco Theaters, referred to the building as "a dump" and an "embarrassment."

Friend said it quickly became obvious during the walk-through improvements would be needed.

On Monday, a letter detailing violations was sent to the property's owner.

City officials pointed out the automated fire sprinkler system to comply with the 2000 National Builders Code is not present in the three cinemas. Also of concern was the lack of smoke detectors, and a manual fire alarm system is also not present.

The lobby does not have lighted exit signs. Neither the lobby, toilet facilities nor the three cinemas have lighting to help customers find their way out during an emergency, according to the letter.

Electrical violations were noted in the concession area and in one of the projector rooms.

Other problems included missing ceiling tiles, broken seating and lack of battery backup for the existing lighted exit signs throughout the building.

"To protect our citizens and the health and safety of movie patrons, it will be necessary to cease operations as a public theater unless and until the above mentioned violations are adequately addressed," Friend wrote in the Monday letter to Horn.

Friend said the city had not heard from the property owner, prompting the officials to close down the Malco Trio on Wednesday.

"We believe because of the nature of business -- a movie theater -- these deficiencies add up to a health and safety issue," said Friend. "We told the Malco rep we would work with them as best we could but until deficiencies were addressed they can't open for business."

Friend said it is not unusual for the city officials to determine a property can't be occupied until health and safety violations are abated. However, he could not recall any operating businesses being shut down due to violations.

Earlier this year the property owner and Malco officials proposed establishing a Community Improvement District in the Midtowner Village shopping center where the Malco Trio is located. The proceeds from the CID's one-cent tax within that shopping center would then be used help fund improvements to the theater building and parking lot.

However, the council has indicated it would not pursue this proposal, Friend said.

Several attempts were made to contact Bob Horn with Central Realty and Jimmy Tashie with Malco Trio. As of press time, the calls were not returned.

Pertinent address:

1045 E. Malone Ave., Sikeston, MO