June 11,2018-
Local developer JR Shannon has won the bidding to buy the Main Street Theater from the City of Visalia. JR, who has recently focused on developing commercial projects along East Main Street in Downtown Visalia, confirms the city notified him he won the bidding over a rival proposal from another local group, Rainmaker Productions
“Escrow has not closed“ explains JR who says he is still juggling several concepts to redevelop the 8000sf building located next to the city pedestrian plaza.
“We have interest from lots of different users” he says. The good size building complete with 1000 foot mezzanine means there might be room for more than one project as tenants including restaurants.
Shannon is underway on construction of a new burger restaurant Stacked Burger, east of Santa Fe next to the new Barrelhouse brew pub.
“There is plenty of development activity nearby” figures JR including the relocation of the Wells Fargo office from Demaree bringing about 60 people Downtown (Main St Promenade building) as well as the mixed-use development of the Midtown Sports building nearby and the probable purchase of the former Razzari car lot from the city across Main from the theater for another new residential/commercial project.
The purchase the theater used for years by the Enchanted Playhouse children’s theater does mean this popular group will be looking for new home for their productions. Several options around town are possible. The group declined to join the bidding on the property.
Debbie Terry, board member of the Enchanted Playhouse commented that if the sale is indeed final “ then we are disappointed” hoping they could remain at their current location.
“I am confident that whether we remain at this location or some other venue, the Enchanted Playhouse will continue on.”
Terry says some news on this could be expected in coming weeks. In about a month Terry says the playhouse will announce their 2018/19 play schedule.