You ought to be in pictures

The owners of the Ellis Block are looking for someone to run a three-screen theater in the Ellis Bock, which was gutted by a fire in 2008 that destroyed the existing theater and left over 40 people homeless.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20100305/NEWS02/3050335/1003/NEWS02

Published March 5, 2010 in the Rutland Herald

You ought to be in pictures

By JOSH O'GORMAN STAFF WRITER

SPRINGFIELD — The owners of the Ellis Block are looking for someone to operate a proposed movie theater.

Housing Vermont and the Springfield Housing Authority are looking for someone to run a three-screen theater in the Ellis Bock, which was gutted by a fire in 2008 that destroyed the existing theater and left more than 40 people homeless.

"It's exciting to see the project going forward and the theater is an essential part of the project," said Bob Flint, executive director of the Springfield Regional Development Corporation. "The people who own the building know about housing, but they need someone who can operate the theater as a business."

Bill Morlock, executive director of the Springfield Housing Authority, said he's sent out requests for qualifications to every movie theater operator in the state, as well as a few interested locals.

"We're just putting out the feelers right now," said Morlock, who is looking for someone with past experience running a theater and a solid financial background who would be able to sign a long-term lease.

The roughly $3.5 million project will include 200 seats across three theaters, with one large theater and two smaller screening rooms. The project will also create nine one-bedroom apartments upstairs from the theater.

The town lost one of its few entertainment outlets when Ellis Block resident Jon Gassert Jr., 19, set a fire July, 8, 2008, that displaced himself, the residents in the neighboring 13 apartments, and the theater that hosted the world premiere of "The Simpsons Movie" in 2007. Gassert was upset because his landlord would not allow him to install an air conditioner, according to court records.

Gassert pleaded no contest in February 2009 and received a two-to-10 year sentence, which he is serving in Newport prison.

Morlock said bids for the work will be opened March 26, with work to begin shortly thereafter and substantial completion reached by the end of the year.

"We're looking forward to getting this up and running," said Morlock. "It's been a long time since this town had a theater."

For more information, call Morlock at 885-4905 or e-mail at bmsha@vermontel.net.


The Ellis Block in downtown Springfield was heavily damaged by fire in 2008.
Photo: Albert J. Marro / Rutland Herald