(Editor's note: The following essay by Auburn High School senior Giovanni Pettigrass was the winning entry in a scholarship contest held by the Save Our Schine group. The contest asked applicants to explain why the Auburn Schine Theater should be restored. The essay has been reprinted as submitted.)
The Schine Theater in Auburn, smack dab in the heart of the city鈥檚 downtown, with its Art Deco architecture and historical presence has been a part of downtown Auburn for almost 80 Years. Many lifelong residents of Auburn can recall happy memories while visiting this ornate Theater.
Auburnians have mixed feelings on whether or not the building should be saved and resurrected. However, if you spend any amount of time strolling the streets of the downtown area, you will see evidence of the trend of the area.
As the downtown area of Auburn has been continuing to boom to life again and is becoming more and more known for its pop art life, entertainment and culture, accompanied by great places to eat and socially gather, the timing could not be better for this once lavish and special landmark to be brought back to life.
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Downtown Auburn New York, once a bustling area filled with shops and people decades ago, became a quiet area with many empty storefronts, and lack of hope for its financial future. Currently the city is trending with theater, arc, comedy and musical performances happening Inside its neighboring revitalized buildings. Business after business seem to be taking off in positive financial directions as more and more people are locating their new businesses into the area taking advantage of the trend.
Since the owner of the Auburn Schine Theater announced its partnership with a Syracuse devel…
The Schine Theater would be a perfect addition to the emerging theme of the city鈥檚 downtown. Residents and visitors both would be drawn to visit the theater and support it if it were brought back to life. The theater would also bring more people into the area which would also support older businesses located downtown. People could enjoy a nice dinner, a movie or whatever event the theater would be hosting, and have places to stop into afterwards to socialize.
The theater would also provide job opportunities to area residents and/or college students.
The theater could also network with area businesses to draw people in for special evenings or weekends.
Businesses built around entertainment and leisure are what people are looking for. Even in tough economies people like to feel good and relax.
This historical gem of a building has so much interesting history. That alone is another aspect which people are interested in and love to support. I believe people would love to know more about this historical landmark and would definitely put it on their list of 鈥渢hings to do鈥 when visiting Auburn, NY. Current Auburn residents as well would be proud of our beautiful theater that was saved and brought back to life.
Personally, I have performed in the downtown area as a musician in several different locations over the past nine years of my life and have witnessed the emerging culture that has budded and bloomed in the downtown area. Schine on!
