With more than two years of controversy, protests, court cases, a bidding war with a local church, and concerns about its upkeep, Fresno's historic downtown Tower Theatre is set to come under new management. After purchasing the venue for $6.5 million, the city sought proposals from groups interested in managing,...
City Votes to Buy Tower Theatre, Thwarting Purchase by Church
In a debate that mirrored a courtroom hearing — which it may eventually lead to — the Fresno City Council voted 4-3 on Thursday to buy the Tower Theatre. The deal has a nominal price of $6.5 million to be paid to the theater’s owners for the iconic Tower...
Will Tower Theatre Sell to the City of Fresno?
The Fresno City Council will discuss buying the Tower Theatre in a closed session on Thursday. The item is vaguely listed as "under negotiation: terms and conditions of property acquisition" for the property at 809 E. Olive Avenue. It is the second straight meeting that councilmembers will discuss the...
Fresno Officials Push Again for Tower Theatre Inspection. ‘Overreach’ Says Owner.
In a court filing last week, the city of Fresno is once again asking a judge to let its appraisers into the Tower Theatre. This time, the city says a recently failed fire safety inspection is the justification. "Tower Theatre is not being maintained in compliance with all laws and...
Tower Purchase Hopeful Will Get Day in Court — in 2023
Although one judge denied blocking the sale of Tower Theatre, a lawsuit over the transaction continues. The parent company of Sequoia Brewing Company will have their day in court on Feb. 21, 2023 to show how the possible sale of the theater harmed them. The restaurant sued when the sale...
‘All We Do is Win’ — Tower Theatre Goes 2-0 in Court This Week
The Tower Theatre scored two wins in court this week that could pave the way for a sale to Adventure Church and keep the city out. In a tentative ruling, Judge D. Tyler Tharpe denied the city of Fresno's request for entry to conduct an appraisal inside the theatre. Earlier...
Does Court Filing Mean Dyer Supports Tower Theatre Grab?
The city of Fresno wants access to the Tower Theatre for an appraisal, according to court documents. Other documents indicate the city could use eminent domain to take not only the iconic theater but the surrounding parking lot as well. A judge will hear the request on July 8. What...
City Can’t Get Into Tower Theatre. This Is What It Looks Like.
The city of Fresno can't get access to the historic Tower Theatre and it is asking a judge to allow an inspection. The city says it needs access to perform an appraisal. And, a councilwoman says the city needs to make sure the theater is preserved. In the meantime, owner...
What Tower Theatre Owner Says About City Wanting Inside
The city of Fresno is asking a judge to let it into the Tower Theatre. Although not said explicitly, a court filing indicates the city may want to take the theater by eminent domain. Meanwhile, a California appeal court will let a lower court decide a lingering issue in the...
Tower Theatre Owner Says He’s Moving Ahead with Sale to Church
Even with a split decision in the most recent round in the legal saga of the Tower Theatre, the owner says he still plans to sell the iconic venue. And, he plans to sell to Adventure Church. "I don't see why we all can't get along like we have been....