New Lincoln Grand 8 Theater an addition in the 'Grandest' to downtown Lincoln

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[March 08, 2016]  LINCOLN - It was a warm sunny day in May of 2014 when a group gathered on South Kickapoo Street at the invitation of local business owner David Lanterman. Most everyone knew that Lanterman had purchased the burned out Oasis Building, and some thought he might be ready to tell what his plans were for the renovation of that building. But what Lanterman had in mind for that day was something much bigger, and much more exciting for the Lincoln community.

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]

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