April 3, 2014: Settlement Agreement regarding the Boyd Theatre & our new Mission

Despite the commitment of funds so that Friends of the Boyd offered the purchase price to save the Boyd Theatre, on March 14, 2014, the Philadelphia Historical Commission approved the economic hardship application of Boyd owner Live Nation and iPiC to allow demolition of the Boyd Theatre except its facade and outdoor pedestrian courtyard. Live Nation began to gut the Boyd’s auditorium on March 17, 2014.

On April 3, 2014, Friends of the Boyd (FOB) and our allies, the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia (the Alliance) entered into a written agreement with Boyd owner Live Nation, the Rodin Group (who will purchase the Boyd), and iPic which plans to build 8 new movie auditoriums. Because appeals, if successful, would have protected only the exterior walls of what would have become an empty space, FOB & the Alliance agreed to not appeal in order to save as many interior Art Deco features as possible. Major terms include the following:

• A Historic Preservation Consultant will inventory the Boyd’s interior. Original Art Deco artifacts such as the 2 story mirrors will be properly refurbished and reused onsite or if not reused for the new project (or if over time, use is no longer desired) will be donated as FOB & the Alliance direct, such as to a museum or another historic theater.
• FOB & the Alliance will be consulted regarding an installation of exhibits of the Boyd’s history.
• An easement to the Boyd’s surviving facade will be provided to ensure future preservation.

FOB and the Alliance are not endorsing the Boyd’s destruction or the iPic that will arise in its place. Both organizations will advocate changes to the historic preservation process as we don’t believe the process functioned adequately in regard to the Boyd. FOB will continue to document the Boyd’s long & wonderful history here and at our Facebook page.

FOB waged a 12 year battle for the Boyd, almost having success three times- when Clear Channel purchased the Boyd to restore and reopen it (but then decided to exit the theater business), when developer Hal Wheeler planned to restore it and combine it with a new hotel (but then he suddenly died), and when a foundation provided a grant commitment that would’ve enabled FOB to purchase the Boyd. We thank our many supporters & ask you to continue with us as it is important to Remember the Boyd!