Can Dreams Come True?
by Don Rittner

Proctor's, Troy's most celebrated theater, may be closer to getting saved than you think - at least part of it. As you read this, negotiations are going on with a developer to renovate the commercial part of the complex for hotel rooms. The theater would be moth balled. I don't know about you, but the last time I put anything in mothballs, I ended up disposing of it.

A "Friends of Proctors" group has been established and has been meeting for several weeks now to formulate a plan for restoring the theater. There is great promise that both buildings will be brought back to life. "Friends" is trying to arrange a meeting with the developer to discuss various options.

According to a recent newspaper account, the Mayor's unwillingness to put any restrictions in the theater transfer has some preservationists worried. Might this be a pretense to destroying the theater in favor of an expanded hotel if this one is successful? Or, will a parking garage be built in its place, rather than the 5th Avenue lot now being used and proposed for expansion.

The Proctor's complex is TWO buildings. You cannot enter either of them from one another. If the developer has no plans on restoring the theater, then why NOT place some form of encouragement to renovate the theater when a proposal is found. As city councilman Harry Tutenjian remarked, it may be the only proposal received after the RFP went out, but it does not mean the city has to accept it. Troy sent out 50 RFP's (Request for Proposals). The city of San Diego, which is trying to save its historic Balboa Theater (located on 4th Avenue) and very similar to the Proctor's project, sent out RFP's to 300 developers! Moreover, their
redevelopment agency retains the power to approve any changes made to the building, AND they have put in place numerous restrictions designed to
encourage the restoration of the theater to its original use. Anyone listening?

Personally I have no problems with what I am hearing about turning the commercial part into a hotel. Proctor himself originally designed the top floor for apartments. RPI and Russell Sage are talking about a hotel complex, perhaps jointly. There are a lot of possibilities with this site but we must move carefully.

I disagree strongly with the Mayor's quote that the theater facade is more important to save than the theater. Come on, our memories are from inside the theater, not buying the tickets at the window.

However, the city administration must be given credit for creating the right atmosphere in Troy for redevelopment. There is a great deal of activity currently going on downtown. The Rice Building and Arts Centers completed. The old Stanley's building is being cleaned out now for renovation into office space. Most of the Hendrick Hotel is rented to state workers, not to mention John Hedley's two buildings, and Michael Kitner's complex near Middleburgh. The Keenan Building is tech-wired.

Priority buildings in need for renovation beside Proctor's include the Quackenbush building (corner of 3rd and Broadway), Green Building (Chasem, corner of 4th and Broadway) and the Brown Building (across the Hendrick Hudson on Broadway). They could all become part of this new renaissance in Troy if the trend continues.

But all of these buildings are historic buildings and an integral part of the city's architectural treasures. While redevelopment is good, it should not be permitted to run roughshod over respect for the city's heritage. So far, so good.

If you would like to participate in the Friends of Proctor's group, you can join a free Internet discussion list by sending email to gearing2@ix.netcom.com and asking to be put on the list. You will be informed about meetings.

servo ac conservo proctor's!

Speaking of History

Have you attended any historic tours given by the Hudson Mohawk Gateway this year? If you are looking for a professional and informative guide to the historic treasures of our area, the Gateway has been offering them for over 20 years.

The tours average about $8 a person, a real bargain for learning a great deal about Troy's history. Upcoming events include tours of downtown secret places, Washington Park at twilight, Oakwood Cemetery, and more. The Gateway's famous and popular tour of Troy's Tiffany Window treasures is always a sell out. In fact, there are only a few spots left so you better call the Gateway at 274-5267 and make your reservation now. Tour brochures can be picked up at the RiverSpark Visitor Center at 251 River Street. If you are not a member of the Gateway, get out your check book and send in a $15 membership fee. It's for a great cause.

P. Thomas Carroll, Executive Director of the Gateway can also use your assistance. Tom is looking for any pictures of the inside of the Burden Office Building, the Gateway's headquarters. They would like to restore the interior of this building as it was built, but there appears to be no surviving interior views. I bet someone out there has one. Call Tom at 274-5267.