The Angelika suddenly closes: Houston loses its downtown film center http://www.culturemap.com/newsdetail/08-29-10-the-angelika-suddenly-closes-houston-loses-its-downtown-film-center/ The Angelika Film Center — Houston's downtown haven for artsy films — unexpectedly shuttered this morning, leaving a hole in the middle of the city's entertainment district. Brown paper was placed over the full-length doors, blocking the view into the lobby and a white sign reading "We regret to inform you that The Angelika Film Center has closed today. After 13 years of continued service to the Houston community, the Angelika's lease has been terminated by the Angelika's landlord, Bayou Place Limited Partnership, an affiliate of the Cordish Company" hangs in the box office window. Movie goers showing up to catch the first scheduled films of this Sunday were met by a woman in the box office who reimbursed the parking costs of those who parked in the garage with cash and turned them away. "They may relocate, but probably not," the Angelika worker told CultureMap's Nic Phillips. The closing of the Angelika comes on the same day that Houston celebrates The Capital One Bank Theater District Open House all around it, a day that's meant to showcase all the performing arts and cultural options the city has. Earlier this month, the Angelika went without air conditioning (as first reported by CultureMap.com) in two of its theaters and the lobby for several weeks and its California parent company refused to answer phone calls on the issue. Air conditioning was never restored to the lobby. Movies played as usual at the Angelika on Saturday night, but by 11 a.m. this morning, the building was covered in that brown paper, the white closing signs were up and the box office marquee was bare — all the movie names were taken off, leaving an empty black facade. For more details, stay tuned to CultureMap throughout the day. Bummer! I had a lot of great memories here.
Well that blows. Was looking forward to watching the Pat Tillman documentary and Animal Kingdom (Australian cops and gangsters movie).
that SUCKS. I really liked that place- you could always catch some of the better movies out over there without the craziness (or cost) or a regular theater. Last time I went was to see Inception on student discount night, it was great. Unfortunate news.
What could Houston have done to stop this? Who knew this was even happening? Rocket River are any of the companies involved even Houston based?
Houston could have gotten off its ass and given a **** about the arts, but if you can go ahead and find some oil tycoons who care as much about Shakespeare as they do about football, be my guest.
Was it not making money? Did it not make rent? It's lease was terminated . . . it was not from a lack of public participation "We regret to inform you that The Angelika Film Center has closed today. After 13 years of continued service to the Houston community, the Angelika's lease has been terminated by the Angelika's landlord, Bayou Place Limited Partnership, an affiliate of the Cordish Company" I think the focus of your anger should be Bayou Place Limited Partnership, an affiliate of the Cordish Company. Rocket River
