Sattler Theater / Broadway Theatre / Basil's Broadway

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Photo by PRS, Mike Puma ViewsOfBuffalo, Robert Kirkham/Buffalo News

Location

512 Broadway Street Buffalo, NY 14204
Google Bird's Eye View
Ellicott Council District
SBL: 111.41-5-30
Erie County Property Info
County Tax Map (loads GIS page)
City of Buffalo Parcel Viewer

Next to: 520 Broadway
Across from: Buffalo Forge, 525 Broadway, Sullivan Ice Co.

Owner

Western New York Minority Media Professionals, Inc (WNYMMP)
NYS Corporation and Business Entity Database

Physical Description

Steel and brick construction with Beaux Arts glazed terra cotta facade and capacity for 928 seats.

Current Condition

Boarded up while non-profit ownership group conducts fundraising. The interior is structurally sound but has water damage to its plaster walls. The basement floods from a broken pipe since sidewalk work was done by the City. The exterior sides received some masonry work in 2014, but a much needed new roof planned for 2013 is still needed.

History

In 1914, the 928-seat theater was commissioned by John Sattler, the founder of Sattler’s Department Store. It was designed by Henry L. Span, the same architect who designed the North Park, Savoy, and Abbot theaters. It cost $35,000.

Around 1920 the theatre changed hands, and it was renamed the Broadway. Later, the Basil brothers took over and renamed it Basil's Broadway. The theater closed around 1965, and the building was used by religious organizations (Muhammad’s Mosque 23, God's Holy Temple, Joy Temple) before it was abandoned in 1996.

Recent Events and Actions Taken

  • 8/19/2008 - Purchased for either $18,000 or $40,000 by a non-profit group WNYMMP
  • 2008 - Removed from the city's demolition list
  • 2011 - Work begins on National Register application, which could result in landmark status and tax credit
  • 2/17/2013 - Buffalo's Young Preservationists use fundraiser funds to help stabilize and secure the theater.
  • March 25, 2015 - Local developer Ellicott Development offers to work as project manager of the renovation, hoping to attract donated funds for the proposed $7 million project.

Other Pertinent Facts

  • WNYMMP's restoration plan includes hosting the Annual Professionals of Color in Media Hall of Fame Awards Dinner, as well as showcasing films, theatrical productions, concerts, live events, and business conferences. A dining hall is also planned. A new facility, The Bob Coles Institute for the Media Arts and Technology, is proposed to be constructed behind the theatre. This would also be the home of the Minorities in Media Museum. (courtesy WCP, Buffalo Rising)

Links


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Added 2013-01-08 • Last changed 2016-11-01

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