Boulevard Theatre has sold its Kinnickinnic Avenue building to Rojo Properties
The Boulevard Theatre has sold its storefront building to Sarah Jonas and Camryne Roberts.
Boulevard Theatre.
Milwaukee, WI (June 16,2014) – Having played a leading role — perhaps the leading role — in in the economic and cultural transformation of its Kinnickinnic neighborhood, The Boulevard Theatre has sold its storefront building (2252 South Kinnickinnic) to Sarah Jonas and Camryne Roberts (the owners of Bay View’s popular Café Lulu) of Rojo Properties.
“The sale of the building is testament to the increased property values in our neighborhood over the course of our tenure in Bay View – proving that the Boulevard created real economic value – and we intend to do so in the future,” said Boulevard Board President Holly Blomquist. “We felt we could put our newfound economic resources to better use by expanding the Boulevard’s artistic footprint in the city. We’ve occupied that storefront space on Kinnickinnic for 29 years, and owned the building for 12. During that time, the transformation of the Bay View community has been astounding – and we take great pride that the Boulevard has been credited time and again as being a catalyst for that transformation. We see this move as a chance to further enhance the quality of our performances, embark on transformational changes in new neighborhoods and set before our organization a meaningful strategic challenge. We did not want to fall in love with the bricks and mortar of our theater building – we want to make a more substantial investment in the art we create and the people with whom we engage. This is the vision of the Boulevard’s founder Mark Bucher and we can’t wait to embark on this new period of growth.”
Committed to maintaining Bay View’s thriving restaurant and business district, new owners Jonas and Roberts have big plans for the space.
“We are sad to be losing such a great, long-time neighborhood anchor; however, we are also excited for all the new opportunities and adventures for the Boulevard Theater,” said new owner Camryne Roberts. “As the new building owners, our goal is to replace this Bay View institution with another business or organization that will complement and contribute to the unique, independent spirit and make-up of our street.”
Capitalizing on this new opportunity, Boulevard will launch its 29th season at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center with a concert staging of the classic Broadway musical, Pal Joey (September 26-28, 2014).
“Pal Joey holds a significant place in American musical theater, even though it is not as well-known as other works of its time,” said Pal Joey director, David Flores. “One of the last collaborations of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, (it) was ahead of its time. The show’s charismatic but ultimately unlikeable “anti-hero” and frank depiction of sex and the sexes were probably more than audiences of the time were prepared for. Nonetheless, both Messieurs Rodgers and Hart considered it their favorite and best collaboration. The Boulevard, too, is looking forward, even as it looks back on this treasure of American musical theater. This is indeed an exciting time for the Boulevard!”
The Boulevard Theatre Board of Directors looks forward to the opportunities the building sale will offer to the company and the Milwaukee community.
“We look forward to performing in different locations and creating new opportunities to celebrate culture – not just in the performance itself, but also in all of the events surrounding the performance: the excitement and anticipation of going to see a show; the shared experience with your friends and neighbors; the dinner before; the drink after; and, the discussions continuing for days (or weeks) because the piece stays with you,” Blomquist said. “We want the opportunity to be everyone’s “corner theatre,” and to bring people and communities together to share in these experiences.”
About Boulevard Theatre:
Boulevard Theatre’s 29th Season includes Pal Joey (September, 2014), Gideon’s Knot by Johnna Adams (October, 2014), A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas (December, 2014), RX by Kate Fodor (Spring, 2015). For ticket information on “PAL JOEY” please call the SMPAC box office (414-766-5049) or visit either of these websites: www.boulevardtheatre.com or www.southmilwaukeepac.org.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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Boulevard Theatre has sold its Kinnickinnic Avenue building to Rojo Properties
Jun 16th, 2014 by Boulevard Ensemble Studio TheatreThe Boulevard Theatre has sold its storefront building to Sarah Jonas and Camryne Roberts.
