Apollo Theater Unsafe

Building Needs Repair or Demolition

— The last theater building remaining from Emma Avenue’s heyday may face demolition.

The Apollo Theater, 308 Emma Ave., was tagged Monday as unsafe for occupation. Fire Department officials also decided the building wasn’t safe for firefighters to enter if fire broke out.

Tom Evers, the city’s chief building inspector, said he was called by fire officials to look at the condition of the building. He said he will send a letter to the owner detailing what must be done to fix the problems that make the building unsafe.

At A Glance

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The Apollo is mentioned in a discussion on the Facebook page, “Springdale AR — the way we remember it!”

A concession stand favorite was the pickle juice snowcone.

Source: Staff Report

Water coming through the roof caused wood to rot and iron to rust, Evers said. Trees growing along an exterior wall have caused it to bow and crack, he said.

“It’s always up to the owner to decide if they want to repair the building,” Evers said. “Sometimes it might be better financially to demolish the building, but that is up to the owner.”

Jim Ritchey or members of the Ritchey family have owned the theater since 1979, according to Washington County property records. The last business license issued for the Apollo Theater was in 1982, according to Springdale records.

Derrick Ritchey, Jim Ritchey’s son, said his father is considering selling the building. Jim Ritchey was moving into the second story apartment at the front of the building when it was tagged by city officials, Evers said.

Jim Ritchey wasn’t available for comment w because he is recovering from medical problems, Derrick Ritchey said.

Many Springdale residents remember going to the Apollo for a Saturday afternoon matinee to enjoy a movie and air conditioning.

The Apollo opened in September 1949 showing “It’s A Great Feeling” staring Doris Day. Future president Ronald Reagan also had a role in the movie. Admission was 45 cents, according to a story and advertisement in a copy of the Springdale News, provided by the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History.

The theater was known for its decorated lobby, which included a statue of Apollo, a 10-foot tall mirror and a chandelier. The theater also featured a $20,000 pipe organ when it opened.

The May 1950 flood in downtown Springdale damaged the organ; firefighters found it overturned in the water. The deluge flooded many of the downtown buildings, according to information from the museum.

The Apollo Music Theater operated in the building from 1994 to 1997, according to city business records. The Arkansas Opry was in the building from 1999 to 2001, according to records.

Harold Vowell, an owner of the Opry, said leaks in the roof were a problem while he was there.

“That’s the reason we closed,” Vowell said. “The building wasn’t in that good of a shape then.”

The owners have to make the next move, Evers said.

“All we want is for the building to be safe and secure,” Evers said. “We wouldn’t do anything next unless the repairs aren’t done.”

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