Visions for Vacancies: The Old Falls Theatre Building

Right now, pedestrians passing by the Falls Theatre building see it full of buckets, desks and — is that a shopping cart? 

The 15,000-square foot theater was built in 1926. The spaces on either side of it are used as storage.

Cuyahoga Falls Patch had asked readers in June 2012 whether they'd like to see the theater demolished or preserved.

Here's what some readers had to say then: 

• Tony Morganti: "A wonderful old building. Would like to see it preserved."

• Kay McIntosh: "Why WOULDN'T they preserve it?? They're tearing down everything that makes this city what it is, to put up cookie cutter shopping centers, corporations and chain restaurants."

• Tom Tucker: "'Why WOULDN'T they preserve it??' It's clearly stated in the article. It's in poor condition and it would be costly. It's no different that restoring a home that's in poor condition."

• Kate Bigam: "I'd always hoped to see this old theater turned into, well, a new theater. It has so much potential to provide traffic & character to downtown CF. I understand why folks want to tear it down, but I'd much rather see it renovated than replaced with something else."

• Janie: "There are so many things that could be done there. A community center where locals can go to do all kinds of things - like the Quirk Cultural Center. Rent it out for parties. Bring back Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday nights at midnight. Great place for multiple vendors, too - like a mini mall. A beauty salon, spa, massotherapist, and other pampering services would be amazing in there."

Then, Falls Planning and Zoning Director Fred Guerra, most want the 86-year-old structure torn down.

But there are those who beg to differ.

Some want to see it rebuilt, said Guerra, but it would be costly given the poor condition of the Front Street building.

The theatre is considered a mixed-use space, so anything from offices to restaurants to retail could go there.

Interestingly enough, the theatre is listed as a potentially historic structure in the city’s Historic Preservation Plan, so who knows; it may stick around for a while.

We're asking for another round of responses: What kind of business could revitalize the defunct theatre? A trendy restaurant? An up-and-coming business? A retro film house? Offer your ideas and recommendations in the comments section below.