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Downtowner
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Thank God!!!! Mr Palumbo, if you're reading this, I'll be first in line to apply to work there, just to keep nightlife & entertainment alive in DT St Paul (and because I have a special needs child too). And Galtier mgmt, if you're reading this, don't be stupid -- make this work.
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I love this suburb
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yes!!!! this will save downtown st. paul!!!! The streets are going to be packed and we can stick it to Minneapolis.....yeaaaaah!
...and this palumbo guy seems great....he definately can afford a venture like this.
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Kitty
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Just the thing downtown SP needs! We're tired of driving to Mpls. to see independent films. Do It!!!!
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PalumboFamily
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Downtowner wrote: Thank God!!!! Mr Palumbo, if you're reading this, I'll be first in line to apply to work there, just to keep nightlife & entertainment alive in DT St Paul (and because I have a special needs child too). And Galtier mgmt, if you're reading this, don't be stupid -- make this work. Thanks for your words of encouragement. See you at the movies! P&J Palumbo
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Downtowner
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17,000 people within a mile of downtown are nothing? The Ordway, the Science Museum, the Minnesota Museum of Art, the Landmark Center, the Central Library, these are nothing? Scott, move to Mpls if you're so bored. I live downtown and love it. The riverfront, the Farmers Market, the restaurants and parks. Bit by bit, the turnaround is real, and the Palumbo family is to be thanked for having faith in our city, which is more than can be said for so-called citizen Scott Simon. I look forward to walking to my neighborhood theater to watch the kind of films I've had to drive to Uptown to see. Can't wait!!
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Saint Paul is coming back
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Please reopen the theater! I used to love going down there to watch movies. It's nice and quaint. Making it more specialized will draw lots of people! I can't wait to visit!
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SpaceCowboy
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Scott Simon wrote: There is nothing. Read this again ... NOTHING in downtown St. Paul other than an occasional hockey game or concert that is worth the trip. This is why the light rail to St. Paul is such a stupid idea. Don't you get it? There is nothing that people in Minneapolis or the Western suburbs want to see in downtown St. Paul. It is a vast wasteland filled with government worker bees and other drones. It has no personality on nights when the WILD is not in the house. I knew when I read that "grants" would be needed to fund this that it was a St. Paul project. Re-opening Galtier is about as smart as the need to spend public dollars on a circus school ATTENTION ST. PAULITES! You deserve each other and a goon like Dave Thune as your leader. Excuse me? Science Museum, Minnesota History Museum, Art Crawl, Gus Macker Basket Ball Tourn., Winter Carnival, St Patrick's Day alone defies your assertion that people don't want to come to St Paul. But this would not be so much for you as much as it would be for us. That's the exact reason that this is a great idea. There is no new building required and that old adage "If you build it they will come." Well it's already built. We just have to use it. And once it is being used other enterprises will come. Not all cities benefit from a new stadium so we need other things. There is no need to get angry about something you cannot change. But I understand we will be stealing thunder once the Light Rail is complete. After all we ARE the Capital City.
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Ann_in_Lowertown
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Whoo hoo!!! I hopes comes to fruition. Maybe we can get a grocery store in Lowertown next?
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Ann_in_Lowertown
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Scott Simon. Stay home - better yet - move across the river over to the "612". Who needs ya?
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Scott Simon
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Oh please, why not just give up? The Ordway? Jersey Boys NOT at the Ordway - over 30 shows --many sellouts at the ORPHEUM --that's in the 612. The Minnesota Museum of Art? Is that anything like the Walker? That's in the 612 also. All the other "museums" in St. Paul? Yawn! Been there for school trips when my kids were younger, never been back. Art Crawl? Ever been to Uptown Art Fair held in the 612 on weekends when the sun is shining? The Gus Macker Basketball Tournament? ROFLOL puh-leeze! The Farmers Market? They have one on Nicollet Mall in the 612 ... again, when the sun is shining. Winter Carnival and St. Paddy's? Dull grey/green exhibits of public intoxication ... those of you in the 651 should be very proud of your image? And finally restaurants. Other than Sweeney's, Cecil's and one or two other unique and better than average establishments, I can count on one hand the restaurants that I WOULD EVEN CONSIDER GOING TO IN ST. PAUL vs. dozens in the 612. Is the Lake Elmo Inn in St. Paul? Where is there a place to have a serious steak in St. Paul? Mancini's? The Lexington? Please don't insult my intelligence. As has been written elsewhere, the primary, underlying reason for the light rail coming to St. Paul is for legislators and lobbyists to board it for 3-hour lunches in the 612. The light rail is coming to St. Paul to help St. Paulites ESCAPE, not to bring people from the 612 to the St. Paul "Daytons" store or to roam the dull, empty caverns that you call skyways. Now back to the subject at hand; re-opening Galtier is high risk even if all three of you decide to go on the same night. And Landmark Theatres (i.e., Uptown, Lagoon and Edina) have the market cornered on Art Films. Grandview and Highland screens are not exactly busting at the seams. Support what you've got first before you talk about using "grant money" to subsidize organic concessions and a wine bar under the guise of calling it a movie theatre. Visit your circus school if you want to see real clowns. Re-opening Galtier is NOT funny. It has all the markings of a tragedy.
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Michael Lomker
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I lived downtown when the theater was last operational. The atmosphere was dark, the staff indifferent, and the showings were empty. I always walked over there if a show was running that I wanted to so, but they clearly needed more innovation.
A Landmark-style theater could become more of a destination if it is played right, but I wonder if someone that is inexperienced both as a business owner and in the movie business could succeed.
Walking through Galtier plaza is disturbing because it never became what it was meant to be--all of this retail space converted to office space.
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John Palumbo
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Hi Scott,
I appreciate your mentioning my organic concessions and wine. When you come to the theater, just ask for me and your first bottle of wine is on the house.
Love ya,
John
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current downtowner
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After losing Roseville GTI (scoff all you want, it was a great place to catch a cheap show- especially for young people that don't have alot of options!), it would be great to have an alt movie theater in lowertown.
Despite his cynical BS, scott raises some good points that should be taken into consideration- capturing the downtown and nearby market may be a bit difficult- but I think the area is ready for some new entertainment options.
Hope to see you at a show!
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Diane 1
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As an Eastsider (one of those people w/in 3 miles) and an arthouse movie fan, I'd LOVE it if this happened. Driving to Lagoon or Uptown is a drag. I'd even love it if it was second-run movies like the Riverview - I don't care if they're older movies, I'd just be happy to have a theater nearby!
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John Palumbo
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What the Press article didn't mention was the true amount of time, research, and effort that has gone on to get us to this point.
Although we are relatively new to the movie business, we have surrounded ourselves with competent professionals.
We will show indy, documentary, foreign, art, local film makers, and some second and first-run, as well. We have a film booking agent who has been in the business for twenty years, and is well connected locally and nationally.
We are working with the same company that originally built out Galtier Cinema 4, to update sound, seating, projection equipment, and the concession area, which is now empty.
The STAR grant is open to any Saint Paul art related business, and we are applying because we qualify for the funds.
My wife and I are life-long Saint Paulites, and understand the history of the area. We met in 1984 at the Skyway YMCA. We are well aware of the ghosts of Galtier Plaza, and believe it's time to put them to rest. We are committed to making this project a success. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and it has fueled our desire to make this work for our family and for the city of Saint Paul.
The Palumbo family
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Diane 1
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John Palumbo wrote: What the Press article didn't mention was the true amount of time, research, and effort that has gone on to get us to this point.
Although we are relatively new to the movie business, we have surrounded ourselves with competent professionals.
We will show indy, documentary, foreign, art, local film makers, and some second and first-run, as well. We have a film booking agent who has been in the business for twenty years, and is well connected locally and nationally.
We are working with the same company that originally built out Galtier Cinema 4, to update sound, seating, projection equipment, and the concession area, which is now empty.
The STAR grant is open to any Saint Paul art related business, and we are applying because we qualify for the funds.
My wife and I are life-long Saint Paulites, and understand the history of the area. We met in 1984 at the Skyway YMCA. We are well aware of the ghosts of Galtier Plaza, and believe it's time to put them to rest. We are committed to making this project a success. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and it has fueled our desire to make this work for our family and for the city of Saint Paul.
The Palumbo family Great - more power to you. I really, really hope it works. I remember when there were movies there before, and I've wondered if anyone would try to bring it back. What's the timeline?
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Torin
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John - I greatly wish you luck and success at Galtier Plaza! Myself and a group of friends live in the Galtier Towers Apartments, including one girl who is a teller at the credit union downstairs from you. I GUARANTEE you we will be there, and are pumped for the place to open.
Scott - guess what? I LIVE downtown St Paul and WORK downtown Minneapolis. Why did I choose St Paul over Minneapolis? Low crime rates, much more beautiful downtown, serene and classy atmosphere which can't be met by the higher-profile city across the river. Galtier Plaza is absolutely a beautiful building, and with proper management, it WILL be successful. Speak with any current tenants in the building who have been there since the beginning - it's always been management. The place CAN be successful, and it HAS been when Henry Zaidan was in charge of the place. So don't feed me the "St Paul has nothing to do, why not head to 612" line of bullcrap. St Paul has a high concentration of people living downtown, and it's time for businesses to tap into that! Enough of the hating on Galtier and Saint Paul.
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Scott Simon
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"After losing Roseville GTI (scoff all you want, it was a great place to catch a cheap show- especially for young people that don't have alot of options!), it would be great to have an alt movie theater in lowertown." Downtowner, try the Plaza on White Bear Avenue or treat yourself to the Riverview --in the 612 but just across the bridge. It does not sound like Galtier will be showing the same kinds of films that were featured in Roseville. Also, try the Woodbury 10. They have special rates for early shows of first-run features. Diane 1 said, "I'd even love it if it was second-run movies like the Riverview" Dearest Diane, now you're talkin'! The Riverview is the finest theater in the entire metro area (612). This is my opinion and that of the staff and readers of the current City Pages. But again, Galtier will not be showing the same films that the Riverview shows. If he copies the formula from the Uptown, Edina and Lagoon, it will be films with limited appeal, subtitles and many gay and lesbian themes. That's why they are called "art" films. Mr. Palumbo said, "we have surrounded ourselves with competent professionals." What he doesn't realize is, few exist in this market. Continuing, "We will show indy, documentary, foreign, art, local film makers, and some second and first-run, as well. We have a film booking agent who has been in the business for twenty years, and is well connected locally and nationally." AGAIN, this guy works on commission and you can't show first-run in one theater and second run in the next and a foreign film in the third. To read this convinces me that you don't have a clue. Mr. Palumbo goes on to state, "We are working with the same company that originally built out Galtier Cinema 4, to update sound, seating, projection equipment, and the concession area, which is now empty." Dear sir, now I'm starting to actually feel pity for you. All the materials that you need are available for pennies on the dollar as theatres close all over the country. Why would you work with a vendor in the business when if you knew what you were doing, you could open for 30% of whatever they have quoted to you? I suspect you will be using your money and your family's money to outfit a failed business for the second or third owners of this tragedy. I think I'm going to have to concoct some wild scheme to win a STAR grant. I'll quote retail prices in my business plan and then buy equipment on e-bay and pocket the difference. It all seems so easy doesn't it? And by the way, I hardly think the response on this website has been "overwhelmingly favorable". Here is how to measure overwhelming. How many people or better yet, how many banks have called to offer funding? That is the true determining factor. Did you read Dominic Papatola's column in today's PP about how small theaters are dealing with and preparing for the economic downturn? What makes you think there are people living nearby or willing to drive and park downtown in the kind of numbers you will need to keep the lights on? I know a couple of theatres that were paying between $2.50 and $4.00 rent per square foot annually plus utilities and maintenance and taxes. I bet you will be paying close to 10 times that. And by the way, both of these theatres closed! Wishing it will work is one thing. We all have our dreams. But actually putting a business plan in place for the movie business is very high-risk. You don't seem to acknowledge this and it worries me. You are truly from the "if I build it, they will come camp" and there is a word to describe these kind of people. It is "BANKRUPT!"
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Bjorn
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Great to see someone is willing to try something a little different in downtown. A regular first run theater would just attract a lot of the goofballs that hang around downtown during the day and evening. Arthouse films are the way to go, make yourself an identity that way.
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Diane 1
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Scott Simon wrote: "After losing Roseville GTI (scoff all you want, it was a great place to catch a cheap show- especially for young people that don't have alot of options!), it would be great to have an alt movie theater in lowertown."
Downtowner, try the Plaza on White Bear Avenue or treat yourself to the Riverview --in the 612 but just across the bridge. It does not sound like Galtier will be showing the same kinds of films that were featured in Roseville. Also, try the Woodbury 10. They have special rates for early shows of first-run features......
Mr. Palumbo said, "we have surrounded ourselves with competent professionals." What he doesn't realize is, few exist in this market.
Continuing, "We will show indy, documentary, foreign, art, local film makers, and some second and first-run, as well. We have a film booking agent who has been in the business for twenty years, and is well connected locally and nationally." AGAIN, this guy works on commission and you can't show first-run in one theater and second run in the next and a foreign film in the third. To read this convinces me that you don't have a clue.
Mr. Palumbo goes on to state, "We are working with the same company that originally built out Galtier Cinema 4, to update sound, seating, projection equipment, and the concession area, which is now empty."
Dear sir, now I'm starting to actually feel pity for you. All the materials that you need are available for pennies on the dollar as theatres close all over the country. Why would you work with a vendor in the business when if you knew what you were doing, you could open for 30% of whatever they have quoted to you? I suspect you will be using your money and your family's money to outfit a failed business for the second or third owners of this tragedy.
I think I'm going to have to concoct some wild scheme to win a STAR grant. I'll quote retail prices in my business plan and then buy equipment on e-bay and pocket the difference. It all seems so easy doesn't it? And by the way, I hardly think the response on this website has been "overwhelmingly favorable". Here is how to measure overwhelming. How many people or better yet, how many banks have called to offer funding? That is the true determining factor.
Did you read Dominic Papatola's column in today's PP about how small theaters are dealing with and preparing for the economic downturn? What makes you think there are people living nearby or willing to drive and park downtown in the kind of numbers you will need to keep the lights on? I know a couple of theatres that were paying between $2.50 and $4.00 rent per square foot annually plus utilities and maintenance and taxes. I bet you will be paying close to 10 times that. And by the way, both of these theatres closed! Wishing it will work is one thing. We all have our dreams. But actually putting a business plan in place for the movie business is very high-risk. You don't seem to acknowledge this and it worries me. You are truly from the "if I build it, they will come camp" and there is a word to describe these kind of people. It is "BANKRUPT!" Wow, why all the anger? Usually, people on here rant about how there are no new businesses in St. Paul, and how they're all being driven away. Here's someone who's trying to bring something to downtown that many of us who live/work in the area agree is much needed - and there's this oddly focused anger directed at him. Do you have something personal against this guy? Did he steal your cookie or something? The Riverview is a good theater - but I'm not fond of the 30 minute drive to get there, and parking sucks around there at movie time, too, as do the massive bathroom lines for the dinky women's room. I often end up parked more than a block away. No place is perfect.
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Judge it!
