Maybe you’ve already been to the movies at the remodeled-into-a-fourplex Admiral Theater. Even if you haven’t, it’s finally time to officially celebrate the reinvention of West Seattle’s only moviehouse. Just announced by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society:

Just two years shy of 100 years old, the Historic Admiral Theater will celebrate its recent $1.7 million renovation with a unique evening saluting four key periods in the history of the art-deco, nautical-themed moviehouse.

The event on the evening of Wednesday, March 22, is called “The Ship Sails Again: Four Screens, Four Eras.” Launching the event will be an indoor ribbon-cutting (using film instead of ribbon!). Also, the long-dormant outdoor ticket booth will come alive with public office-holders and volunteers distributing keepsake postcards commemorating the evening.

On the bill for this special evening will be four programs, each representing a turning point in the theater’s history and featuring films that have played the Admiral or its predecessor, the Portola Theater (which was in the building that is the current theater’s lobby):

* ERA ONE, the Portola Theater’s opening in 1919: A slate of classic silent films: Charlie Chaplin’s war parody “Shoulder Arms” (1918):

Plus three shorts, Harold Lloyd’s “The Marathon” (1919) and Buster Keaton’s “One Week” (1920) and “Cops” (1922). “Shoulder Arms” played the Portola Theater in August 1927. Showtimes: 6:50 and 8:40 p.m.

* ERA TWO, the Admiral Theater’s opening on Jan. 22, 1942: The Humphrey Bogart detective story “The Maltese Falcon” (1941), which played the Admiral Theater six weeks after it opened in 1942.

Showtimes: 6:30 and 8:50 p.m.

* ERA THREE, the Admiral’s twinning in spring 1973: The nostalgic comedy “American Graffiti” (1973), which played the Admiral Theater in August 1974.

Showtimes: 6:40 and 9 p.m.

* ERA FOUR, the renovation of the Admiral to four screens in fall 2016: The new Disney fantasy “Beauty and the Beast” (2017), which is slated to open at the Admiral on the previous Friday, March 17.

Showtimes: 6:20 and 9:10 p.m.

Tickets for each program will be regular prices: $11.50 for adults, $9.50 for children (under 13) and seniors (60+) and $10.50 military. Those purchasing a pair of tickets for an early-evening show and late-evening show will receive a complimentary bag of the Admiral’s famous popcorn.

Advance ticket purchases are encouraged because of the expected crowds that evening. Advance tickets can be purchased at the theater, 2343 California Ave. SW, or online here (click “Buy Tickets Online” in upper right corner).

The ribbon/film-cutting ceremony will take place at about 5:30 p.m. on the stairs inside the theater lobby. Participating in the ceremony will be a pair of public officials and West Seattle residents:

* Seattle City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, of District 1 (West Seattle and South Park), marking the city’s role in the 1989 landmarking of the Historic Admiral Theater, resulting from a grassroots campaign led by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society.

* King County Council Chair Joe McDermott, of District 8 (West Seattle, Vashon Island and parts of downtown), who championed the 4Culture “Building for Culture” grant of $95,000 that assisted in the renovation of the Historic Admiral Theater in 2016.

Also participating in the ceremony will be representatives of Far Away Entertainment, which operates the Historic Admiral Theater, and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society.

Other participants will include West Seattle residents Maryanne Tagney and David Jones, winners of a Historic Admiral Theater package at the historical society’s 2016 Champagne Gala Brunch.

The outdoor ticket booth will be open for the distribution of keepsake postcards at 5 p.m. Working the booth in shifts will be Herbold, McDermott, and volunteers from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society.

Before each screening that evening, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society will speak briefly about plans to restore the 1942 underwater murals that are now exposed on the interior walls of the outside walls of the theater. In the lobby, the historical society also will have an informational booth about the mural restoration.

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The Historic Admiral Theater: a timeline

* 1919: The Portola Theater (the same building as the current Admiral Theater lobby) opens.

* Jan. 22, 1942: The Admiral Theater opens.

* Spring 1973: The main auditorium is cut in two, and the moviehouse becomes known as the Admiral Twin Theater.

* Jan. 29, 1989: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society pickets in front of the Admiral on closing night and launches a city landmark campaign for the moviehouse.

* July 1989: The Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board designates the Admiral a city landmark.

* April 2, 1992: The Admiral reopens after a closure of more than three years.

* Fall 2016: The Historic Admiral Theater undergoes $1.7 million renovation and expansion to four screens while retaining all landmarked historical features, including underwater appliqué murals exposed for the first time in more than four decades.

* March 22, 2017: “The Ship Sails Again: Four Screens, Four Eras” grand reopening celebration.

Though this is a “grand reopening” celebration, The Admiral has stayed open through the remodeling work, and is currently showing (corrected lineup) “Hidden Figures,” “Logan,” “Lion,” and “Kong” in both 2D and 3D.

If you’re hoping to see “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” at West Seattle’s newly renovated Admiral Theater, here’s an update:

Though the official start date is Friday, The Admiral does have Thursday night shows, and manager Dinah Brein wants you to know: “Tickets will NOT be available online or at the theater until this Thursday [tomorrow]. Box office opens at 2 PM. You can buy tickets for either Thursday’s 2D 7 PM show or the 3D 9:40 at that time. ‘Rogue One’ will be showing 4 times a day starting Friday. You can come to the box office at noon starting Friday and buy tickets for any show ON THAT DAY. Remember, our theater is smaller now; only 225 seats so you will want to come early. Lines will be forming outside.”

When we reported last week on the debut of the first of four new auditoriums at West Seattle’s only moviehouse, the city-landmark Admiral Theater, management was hoping to have the second one open by Thanksgiving. So we checked – and indeed, it is open. If you’re going there today/tonight or for the rest of the holiday weekend, you have three movie options, because the theater confirms that both halves of its newly twinned Pier 1 are open, as is Pier 2, where twinning work starts next week. The second new auditorium is showing “Doctor Strange” plus an added early-evening showing of “Moana.”

According to this week’s e-mail newsletter, The Admiral hopes to have the rest of the work done by “mid-December in time for the ‘Star Wars’ (Rogue One) premiere on 12/16.” Also, if you haven’t been lately: “Restrooms have already been renovated as has repainting of the lobby and enhancement of our concessions area. Our goal has been to remain open during construction with crews beginning early each day and finishing their work by the time afternoon movies begin. We recognize that we are still somewhat of an active construction site but have been able to offer movies in a quality and professional environment. The entire project will be complete within a matter of weeks and we look forward to welcoming the community with 4 brand new state-of-the-art auditoriums and the most current digital laser projection and sound quality.”

BACKSTORY: The renovation work began two months ago – three months after a key approval from the city Landmarks Board, a year and a half after the theater’s longtime management announced “an agreement in principle” with its owner to allow the renovations, which they had warned in mid-2014 were essential to the historic moviehouse’s survival.

If you’re planning to go to the Admiral Theater tonight, you might be among the first to see a film on a brand-new screen. Via reader tips/questions, and then confirmation with theater management, we learned that the Admiral is debuting the first of its new auditoriums tonight – one of the two it’s been working on for the past few months, as the landmark moviehouse is transformed into a four-screen theater, with stadium seating and other state-of-the-art touches.

We stopped in for photos after confirming with the Admiral that they plan to launch the first new auditorium tonight, with the 6:30 pm showing of “Fantastic Beasts.” This is the one where old “applique murals” were uncovered during renovation work:

With the new auditorium coming online, The Admiral is back to showing two movies at a time (“Doctor Strange” is continuing right now – see the schedule here). We’re told the other new auditorium should be ready sometime next week. Once the two new ones are both in operation, then work can begin on dividing the remaining older one.

(Photos courtesy Admiral Theater/Southwest Seattle Historical Society)

One week into the renovation work at the Admiral Theater, here’s the first look inside, courtesy of theater staff and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. The photos above and below show parts of a mural that had been hidden since the theater was split into two auditoriums decades ago.

See and read more on the SWSHS website. When the work’s all done, the Admiral will have four screens. Right now, it has one – the western auditorium is open while work goes on next door.

(Photo by Jean Sherrard, courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society; click here to see full-size version on SWSHS website)

Three and a half months after the “Group Hug” event (photo above) celebrating the historic Admiral Theater‘s impending renovation work, the operators of the landmark moviehouse just got the permit they needed to get going! Here’s the big announcement of what happens next, just in from Jeff Brein of Far Away Entertainment:

With all required city ​building permits in hand, upgrades, expansion and renovations of the Historic Admiral Theater in West Seattle will begin in earnest on Monday, ​Sept.​ 19 with completion expected in November.
 
Moviegoers will be able to see films at the Admiral during the construction period, according to Jeff Brein, managing partner of Far Away Entertainment, the Bainbridge Island-based group that operates the theater.
 
“Our principal goal is to keep the theater open during this process, albeit on a limited basis,” Brein said. “Initially, weekday films will be presented in a single theater, with expanded schedules on weekends. As the project progresses and additional auditoriums are readied we expect the number of movie offerings to increase.”
 
Brein and partner Sol Baron have worked with building owner Marc Gartin for several years to plan a history-based renovation of the iconic 1942 theater, for which the Southwest Seattle Historical Society secured city landmark status 27 years ago. The Gartin family purchased and reopened the theater in 1992 after a three-year closure.
 
The current two-auditorium footprint will expand to four and will feature stadium seating in two larger auditoriums. Additional enhancements will include new, state-of-the-art digital laser projection systems, a 3D auditorium, Dolby Digital sound systems, new seating with beverage cup holders, and upgraded carpeting, concessions area and restrooms.
 
“Additionally,” Brein said, “we have been working with the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and plan to reveal and eventually restore the original, interior auditorium murals featuring underwater appliqués that have been hidden since the theater was twinned in 1973. We also have been working together on other improvements, including repainting of the lobby and preservation of its 1942 mural of Captain George Vancouver and other artwork. Other less apparent enhancements will include a revised traffic flow pattern for ticket sales and more open space in the lobby, improved theater floor lighting and an upgrade of the theater’s marquee.”
 
The Admiral Theater project team includes Swinterton Builders, CDA Architecture, and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, as well as the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board, which approved the renovation in June. Credit also goes to King County Council member Joe McDermott and King County Executive Dow Constantine, both West Seattle residents, for helping secure a $95,000 “Saving Landmarks” grant from 4Culture last November.

The Southwest Seattle Historical Society eagerly anticipates the renovation, said Clay Eals, executive director. “We are thrilled that these many improvements will allow the Admiral Theater to thrive well into the future and can occur without harming – and actually exposing and showcasing more of – the building’s historic features,” Eals said.

“We salute Far Away Entertainment and the Gartin family ownership for their perseverance and heart,” he said.

“This renovation project and the existence of the theater itself wouldn’t be possible without the grassroots effort that saved it in 1989, and the history of this moviehouse, an art deco masterpiece, is a shining example of how neighbors engaging in the landmark process can add economic vitality to the city while building community pride.”

Our archived coverage of The Admiral is here, including our report on the Landmark Board’s approval of the work back in June, and the February 2015 announcement of the agreement between the building’s owner and operators that paved the way for this work.

BRINGING BABY TO THE MOVIE! While it’s billed as being for “mommies,” the new Friday morning events at the historic Admiral Theater are really for anyone with a very young baby in tow. The Admiral recently launched 10 am Friday showings described as “first-run matinees for parents, nannies, grandparents and caregivers. The sound will be turned down and you’re welcome to bring a stroller, feed your baby, let your baby fuss, cry or coo, and no one will mind! Please note these movies are our regularly featured movies. Children age five and under are free. Adult tickets are matinee-priced.” The movies are first-run films already on the theater’s schedule, so this week’s movies – tomorrow (August 26th) at 10 am – are “Florence Foster Jenkins” and “War Dogs.”

KOSARA ON THE WAY TO ADMIRAL: Across the street from the theater, you might have noticed the liquor-license posting for Kosara at the former Zatz Bagels, which closed in June 2015 at 2348 California SW – we’ve received more than a few questions about it. We noticed it too and have been trying to get more information; the license application includes a familiar name, Plamen Stoyanov, already a West Seattle restaurateur (Amante, Huddle), but when reached for comment, he told WSB he’s not yet ready to go public with the plan. So all we know is that the license being sought is for a restaurant with beer and wine.

WHITE CRANE WELLNESS MERGES WITH WEST SEATTLE WELLNESS: In South Admiral, White Crane Wellness (3435 California SW) has been acquired by West Seattle Wellness, and remains open for what its new ownership describes as “alternative health care services such as, but not limited to, acupuncture, massage, energy work, physical therapy, counseling, organic skin care, and more.” You’re invited to an open house at White Crane on Saturday, October 1st, 1-4 pm.

(Photo by Jean Sherrard, courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society; click here to see full-size version on SWSHS website)

10:58 AM: After a burst of excitement this morning, with a crowd including about 800 elementary-school students and former mayors Greg Nickels and Norm Rice, The Admiral District is getting back to the usual dull roar. The “Group Hug for The Admiral” photo event, organized by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, went off flawlessly, with photographers Jean Sherrard and Brad Chrisman atop a lift truck across the street from the historic theater, hailed as a classic “neighborhood moviehouse.” (Updated) Here’s what the crowd looked like on the ground:

(WSB photos/video from here down)

The speakers included theater operator Far Away Entertainment, Sol Baron told WSB that the renovations to convert it into a fourplex – the reason to capture this moment in time – are expected to start by mid-August, provided the final permits come through. (added) You’ll hear him in this clip, introduced by Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals, who emceed and organized the event:

12:37 PM: More of how it unfolded: Plenty of orange-vested adults (the vests were loaned by Highland Park Elementary) were there to help ensure the safety of the students, who walked from each participating school – we rolled a bit of video as each arrived:

First, the most distant school, Schmitz Park:

Then, Alki:

Finally, the nearest school – about half a block south – Lafayette:

Along with those we’ve mentioned earlier, speakers also included the principals of all three participating schools – Shannon Hobbs-Beckley from Alki, Gerrit Kischner from Schmitz Park, and Robert Gallagher from Lafayette – as well as Jim Kelly from 4Culture (which donated $95,000 to the Admiral renovation project) and Shannon Braddock from County Councilmember Joe McDermott‘s office:

The principals voiced appreciation for their students’ chance to be part of a moment in local history:

The theater, its operators stressed, will remain open throughout the renovation work later this year. We’ll find out more about the specifics as the plan goes to the city Landmark Preservation Board – whose approval is required because of the theater’s landmark status – later this month.

Mayor Nickels, as introduced by Eals, represented this area on the King County Council when The Admiral closed – in danger of never reopening – in 1989. The Admiral enhances our area’s “sense of community,” he pointed out, also lauding Eals for organizing the campaign to save the theater, which reopened in 1992. Mayor Rice was in office at the time of the reopening and said The Admiral continues to “symbolize West Seattle … and the people who care so much about it.”

P.S. From-above SWSHS photo added 10:30 am Saturday!

(June 2015 photo by Jean Sherrard, courtesy SWSHS)

Remember that scene at the Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge last year, with hundreds of local students photographed in what Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals dubbed a “group hug,” to commemorate the start of its restoration? Something similar is about to happen for another West Seattle landmark – again on the first Friday in June. This time, it’s West Seattle’s only moviehouse, the Admiral Theater. Hundreds of area students will gather outside the theater at midmorning on June 3rd (one week from tomorrow) for another “group hug,” to be photographed from above, as the theater gets ready to launch its renovation project. No street closure, but things will be a little crowded outside the gas station/mini-mart next door; Eals tells us that’s where they’ll be gathering.

(WSB photo from February)

Speaking of the Admiral’s renovation work, which ultimately will turn it into a fourplex with lots of upgrades to its lovable-but-worn interior, readers have been asking about its status. So we checked with The Admiral’s Dinah Brein, who says the city permit process has had them in a holding pattern. “They are backed up 4-6 weeks. We initially were hoping to start first couple weeks of May, but now they won’t probably review until the end of June. At that point, depending on if they have any questions, comments or concerns that we need to address, we will have to resubmit again for their approval. We are thinking that we should be good to go no later than end of August, which would be good because the movies slow down until mid-October for the holidays.” That’ll be close to a year after the originally hoped-for timetable for getting the work started; the agreement between the theater’s owners and longtime operator Far Away Entertainment was announced early last year.

That photo shared by the Admiral Theater might not be oozing Hollywood glamour … but it’s the next big step toward the historic moviehouse’s bright-as-the-stars future. The Admiral’s two new laser digital projectors are here, and manager Dinah Brein says that the first audiences to see them “commented on how amazing the high definition, crystal clear, and bright screen resolution enhanced their viewing experience. No more platters, no more bad film prints, no more stoppage in the middle of the movie.” That’s because, Brein adds, “these two new projectors (with two more to come by the end of the year) utilize all new laser technology replacing the standard projector light bulbs used in most theaters. Now, with *all* the light energy coming from lasers … the on-screen image is bigger, brighter and better.” And it means the film days are almost over:

It’s been four months since The Admiral announced it had the green light to proceed with renovations that will turn it into a modernized four-plex; that in turn came a few months after it started showing first-run movies.