Warren Theatre

[Chase]

Any rumors on further expansion in Oklahoma?

[MadMonk]

Okay, so I took in a movie at the Warren for the first time last weekend.

The movie wasn't great (Surrogates), but I have to say that I was very impressed with the theater. Awesome picture and sound and the balcony seating is great (though pricey). I understand much better now, those who say they refuse to go anywhere else for their movie fix.

I hope that they do bring one up on the north side soon. I can't/won't go there very often just because of the drive, but I'm definitely a fan now.

[Insider]

Okay, so I took in a movie at the Warren for the first time last weekend.

The movie wasn't great (Surrogates), but I have to say that I was very impressed with the theater. Awesome picture and sound and the balcony seating is great (though pricey). I understand much better now, those who say they refuse to go anywhere else for their movie fix.

I hope that they do bring one up on the north side soon. I can't/won't go there very often just because of the drive, but I'm definitely a fan now.

Ahhhhh... Another convert! Welcome to the other side!

[BoulderSooner]

per Warren theatre website

MOORE WARREN EXTREME WEATHER NOTICE:
Due to damage from extreme weather conditions, the Moore Warren is closed.
We are hoping to re-open on Friday, May 24th. Please check back for updates.

[bchris02]

They are being very optimistic to think they can have it reopened by Friday. Given the extent of the damage and the surrounding areas, I would think it would be weeks if not months before they re-opened it.

[Roger S]

They are being very optimistic to think they can have it reopened by Friday. Given the extent of the damage and the surrounding areas, I would think it would be weeks if not months before they re-opened it.

I live within walking distance of the Warren and I'm not sure it was as damaged as it might have looked on TV. I think it was mostly cosmetic. The center of the tornado went over the bowling alley, hospital, banks, and title company. Hollie's and the businesses to the south of the Warren looked relatively unscathed.

What might hold them back from that schedule would be how fast they re-open streets and get utilities back up and running in that area.

[Zuplar]

This is good news. When I saw this tornado heading that way I prayed that it would hopefully take the least devastating route. Not sure that that can really be the case but that area has done so much to get all that commerce I would have hated to see it wiped away within a few minutes.

[hoya]

I know it's just a movie theater, but the Warren has been a mark of pride for that community. As a South side kid, I'm happy that the nicest theater in the city is over here, as opposed to being off in Edmond or on the North side somewhere. While it may seem superficial, to be concerned about a theater when there was immense destruction, this may end up tying the Warren even more closely to the community. A lot of rescue efforts were coordinated from there, and it was the one big landmark that survived the devastation.

[Dustin]

I know it's just a movie theater, but the Warren has been a mark of pride for that community. As a South side kid, I'm happy that the nicest theater in the city is over here, as opposed to being off in Edmond or on the North side somewhere. While it may seem superficial, to be concerned about a theater when there was immense destruction, this may end up tying the Warren even more closely to the community. A lot of rescue efforts were coordinated from there, and it was the one big landmark that survived the devastation.

I'd say in the region. It's a world class theatre IMO.

[Just the facts]

I have never been through anything remotely close to this level of tragedy but I would think returning to normal (or as close as you can get to it) as fast as possible would be a good thing for everyone.

[catch22]

Perhaps discounted movies to people who were in the immediate area....

Something to get their minds off of the destruction for a few hours....I can't image the pain and agony.

[BoulderSooner]

Tax dollars to the city of Moore will be a very good and needed thing

[s00nr1]

My wife and I were saying something very similar earlier. The Warren, as much as it was a part of the community before, will now be known as a beacon of hope for all of us who call Moore home. I think discounted (or even free) movies for Moore citizens would be a GREAT move and certainly good for the morale of the city as it has to wait for the cleanup process to begin.

I know it's just a movie theater, but the Warren has been a mark of pride for that community. As a South side kid, I'm happy that the nicest theater in the city is over here, as opposed to being off in Edmond or on the North side somewhere. While it may seem superficial, to be concerned about a theater when there was immense destruction, this may end up tying the Warren even more closely to the community. A lot of rescue efforts were coordinated from there, and it was the one big landmark that survived the devastation.

[Spartan]

The Warren is going to have to rebuild itself, just from eyeballing the damage surrounding it as it was in the tornado's bull's eye, I wouldn't be surprised if it opens for a few free films to offer hope and cultural strength, and then closes for rebuilding.

I will say though that the relatively good shape of the structure is an absolute testament to what a strong, well-built structure Bill Warren gave Moore. Next time I'm back home and there's severe weather, I know where I'm going...

[yukong]

Reports are that there was only minor damage (relatively speaking) and that most was cosmetic. There are some holes in the roof from debris that hit it and that has been temporarily patched. They re-wiring the marquee neon lights to get them up and running ASAP. They are still shooting for Friday. They say the permanent roof repairs will begin soon, but that they can run with the temporary roof. I think it would be a huge statement to get that thing running.

[BoulderSooner]

The Warren is going to have to rebuild itself, just from eyeballing the damage surrounding it as it was in the tornado's bull's eye, I wouldn't be surprised if it opens for a few free films to offer hope and cultural strength, and then closes for rebuilding.

I will say though that the relatively good shape of the structure is an absolute testament to what a strong, well-built structure Bill Warren gave Moore. Next time I'm back home and there's severe weather, I know where I'm going...

Per their website they plan to reopen friday

[Bellaboo]

Per their website they plan to reopen friday

It won't do them any good to re-open if the streets are blocked off and patrons can not get there.

[SoonerDave]

They interviewed someone related to the theater yesterday on one of the various radio stations I've been listening to, and they talked about how a temporary roof was nearly already in place, and the center glass decorative structure behind the marquee has been patched up. The marquee still looks weatherbeaten, and some of the letters are missing (as in "W REN"), but it sounded like the core, essential structure survived intact. The owner was quoted as saying he had built the theater with the May 3, 99 tornado in mind and that was why the entire interior was made of concrete and steel, not just the exterior walls. I was watching a live Ch 9 helicopter feed from last night and I swear there was a crew of no less than 20 guys crawling on that roof. Given that Warren spared little expense in getting that place built, I suspect he's no less willing to spend whatever it takes to get the place operational ASAP.

It would without question be a tremendous leap toward at least a semblance of normalcy if they were able to reopen in such a short time. The symbolism of recovery would be unmistakable.

Unrelated, but I can't help but wonder if the poor little Moore Bowl will be rebuilt. It was pulverized. We were in there for a fundraiser for my son's football team not three weeks ago.

[metro]

My wife and I were saying something very similar earlier. The Warren, as much as it was a part of the community before, will now be known as a beacon of hope for all of us who call Moore home. I think discounted (or even free) movies for Moore citizens would be a GREAT move and certainly good for the morale of the city as it has to wait for the cleanup process to begin.

My exact words to my wife last night. May seem petty to some, but from a public relations perspective, it's seen as a beacon of hope and centerpoint of that community, especially now. I too recommend free movies to Moore residents and rescue workers for the next few weeks, just to escape from reality for a few hours and have some sense of normalcy.

[king183]

It won't do them any good to re-open if the streets are blocked off and patrons can not get there.

I'm sure they've taken that into account. There are crews working on that area non-stop. Just based on the progress I saw this morning, I wouldn't be surprised if the streets in the immediate are are re-opened by tomorrow or Friday morning.

[SoonerDave]

I'm sure they've taken that into account. There are crews working on that area non-stop. Just based on the progress I saw this morning, I wouldn't be surprised if the streets in the immediate are are re-opened by tomorrow or Friday morning.

The news crews this morning were saying they couldn't believe how much progress had been made clearing the streets in that area of the general debris. There's practical side to that, of course; they need to clear those streets to simplify egress of heavy equipment needed to start bulldozing and clearing the destroyed buildings. Amazing effort by all involved.

[Roger S]

Unrelated, but I can't help but wonder if the poor little Moore Bowl will be rebuilt. It was pulverized. We were in there for a fundraiser for my son's football team not three weeks ago.

My wife's cousin is married to the AMF Regional Manager. He and his managers were having a meeting there minutes before the tornado hit. Fortunately they evacuated the building.

I know AMF has already contacted him about what needs to be done there to get the center operational. I don't think they were quite aware of the severity of the damage when they asked that question.

I'll try and keep things updated as I hear info on what they plan to do.

[BoulderSooner]

new update per their website

MOORE WARREN EXTREME WEATHER NOTICE:
Due to damage from extreme weather conditions, the Moore Warren is closed.
We are hoping to re-open on Wednesday, May 29th. Please check back for updates.

[Zuplar]

All I have to say is I will continue to go to the Warren after not only hearing will Bill said in his interview, but his actions after the tornado. He is the kind of guy I like doing business with.

[jn1780]

The reopen date is not surprising mostly because I don't think OGE can rebuild or reroute the lines that fast.

As of last last night they were still working on the lines at Penn and Memorial. That damage is nothing compared to the line damage in Moore.