|
 Standing in front of the old Sandel Gas Station, Lanterman
announced that he was about to undertake the expansion of the
current Lincoln Theater into a multi-million dollar, exquisitely
designed, eight-screen theater that would come to be known as the
Lincoln Grand 8.
On that day, Lanterman had on display an artist rendering done by
Farnsworth Group that represented what the new theater would come to
look like. Lanterman noted that the theater would be reminiscent of
the 1920’s that in his words, was the heyday of the downtown area.
Much to the relief of many local history buffs, Lanterman also
shared through the artist rendering that the old Sandel Station
would be incorporated into the plan for the new theater.
In that first year, it was difficult to see any movement in the
project, and some wondered if it had stalled again. Lanterman had
shared on that day in May that he had been working on this project
for four years, that it had moved forward, stalled, and even went
backward a time or two. But as the saying goes, all good things come
to those who wait.
By the summer of 2015, construction was underway, and for the next
several months, progress and change could be noted on almost a daily
basis. LDN followed the exterior construction with frequent photo
updates for readers and enjoyed comparing the actual construction to
the artist rendering. It was spot-on.
In December of 2015, the theater was nearing completion in some
parts, and still under construction in others. Lanterman hoped to
have at least a few new screens opened in time for the premier of
the new Star Wars movie, and indeed, he did.
Those who attended the movie experienced comfortable, “rocking
chair” seating and a larger than life screen that brought the film
to them in an “up-close and personal” fashion.
At the end of January, the theater played host to the Logan County
Alliance Annual Meeting and Dinner. Guests were able to spend time
upstairs, socializing and eating in an area that will soon be the
theater restaurant. They were also able to enjoy spending time on
the second floor glassed-in balcony that overlooked the downstairs
lobby.
In a conversation with Lanterman in February, he told LDN that work
was moving along as expected, and he planned to move forward with a
Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in
the near future.
On Thursday, March 3rd, that ribbon cut took place, with a great
turnout of local support for the new theater.
As guests filled the downstairs lobby, Lanterman was able to visit
with those in attendance and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing his
vision for the new theater and the community on the whole, had been
fulfilled.
Inside the main lobby, with its high ceiling and exquisite lighting,
guests instantly found that the new theater exuded a feeling of
glamour and sophistication. The walls are muted neutral tones with
crown molding and a trey ceiling trimmed in gold.
The north and south walls have framed mirrors high on the walls,
reflecting the light from the three vintage style chandeliers. Even
the concession stand exudes elegance with turned-wood pillars
connecting the counter to the lowered ceiling over the area.
As the time approached for the cutting of the ribbon, the Chamber
Ambassadors, and Logan County Tourism Director, Maggie McMurtrey
began assembling. Lanterman brought out two gold toned reels loaded
with movie film and asked that they also be used in the ribbon cut.
The Ambassadors were happy to oblige.
When everyone was gathered behind the chamber ribbon and the ribbon
of film, McMurtrey thanked all the guests for attending and
congratulated Lanterman on the beautiful new structure.
Lincoln Mayor Marty Neitzel also had many kind words for Lanterman
and his accomplishment. Neitzel often speaks of how she wants to see
her town flourish and grow. She noted that the Lincoln Grand 8 was a
great addition to her overall vision for the downtown area and
thanked him for his commitment to the city of Lincoln.
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Lanterman also spoke. Acknowledging several people including former Lincoln
Mayor Keith Snyder, and current Mayor Neitzel, and the Lincoln City Council. He
noted that the theater project was the first to take advantage of the city’s Tax
Increment Fund (TIF) program. As the site of the new building formerly was they
burned out Simonson building and the abandoned Sandel gas station, the increase
in property tax with the multi-million dollar theater will benefit the city
greatly, enabling aldermen to approve financing of future downtown projects
through the TIF program.
Lanterman went on to thank his partner in the venture, Jack Rooney, the
designers and engineers for the project Farnsworth Group, and specifically John
Bishop of that firm. And, he acknowledged and thanked the construction company
that took the lead in the building of the complex.
Lanterman said that the theater was not just his success, not just for him, but
that it was for the community.
Soon after, he invited Neitzel to join him in grabbing on to the large scissors,
and together the two snipped the ribbons on the new Lincoln Grand 8 Theater.
After the cut, guests were invited to stay for a bit, and anyone wishing to take
a tour of the facility had the opportunity to do so.
In today’s edition, find a slideshow of the ribbon cutting event, and also
relive the history of the project through the links below, all photos and text
from the LDN archives.
May 22, 2014 -
Lincoln Theater 4 announces expansion project
May, 22 2014 -
Lanterman announces expansion of theater - Album
May 29, 2015 –
Progress continues at the Lincoln Grand 8 Theater
June 11, 2015 –
Two photos in Top Pics - At the
corner of South Kickapoo and Clinton Streets in Lincoln work is moving along on
the Lincoln Grand 8 Theater. The project has been on-going for quite some time,
and construction has reached the point where that there have to be some minor
inconveniences for local motorists. Street closures started yesterday on Clinton
Street and will continue through the first part of July. The closures are
necessary to complete the exterior wall on the south side of the building and
place the large metal girders and other steel supports in place for the
structure.
June 25, 2015 –
Four photos in Top Pics - In spite of
almost daily rain showers, work is moving along on the Lincoln Grand 8 Theater.
The south wall is now joined to the facade of the old gas station. It appears
that before long, the shell of the building will be completed.
July 3, 2015 –
Four photos in Top Pics - Before too
long, we won't be able to see inside the new Lincoln Grand 8 Theater
construction site. The front wall of the building is growing taller, and one has
to wonder, is the tall square structure just inside the front wall the shaft for
the elevator that will take guests to the second floor of the magnificent
building? Talking with theater owner David Lanterman, he said that in spite of
the heavy and consistent rains recently, crews only lost about two days of work.
So, the construction is running close to on-schedule.
July 18, 2015 -
Lincoln Grand 8 Theater - block box almost complete
– Album
August 20, 2015 –
Four photos in Top Pics - Work
continues at the building site of the new Lincoln Grand 8 Theater. As of this
week the back part of the Sandel Service Station has been taken down, leaving
only the front facade, which will remain as part of the finished design.
August 28, 2015 -
Lincoln Theater 8 Update in Pictures – Album
September 18, 2015 -
Watching the theater go! – Album
October 10, 2015 -
Lincoln Grand 8 Theater; something new every day –
Album
October 26, 2015 -
Progress being made daily at the Lincoln Grand 8 Theater – Album
[Nila Smith] |
