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WESTLAND -- The City Council is set to approve on Tuesday a one-year extension on the site plan for a proposed fitness center that would replace the old Quo Vadis Theater, a project opposed by some residents.
Last March, the council granted a site plan approval for the proposed $5 million, 45,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art L.A. Fitness Center. Demolition was to take place on the theater in August, but it was not done.
Council President Jim Godbout said he doesn't anticipate any issues in granting the extension. It will give the developer more time to find financing in this tough economic climate, he said.
"It's an important project. It will make some much-needed improvements to the site," Godbout said. "It should help with the overall look in the area. We just want to give him an opportunity to look for other avenues (of funding) to make it happen."
When the Quo Vadis Theater opened in 1966, it was one of the first movie houses that offered more than one film to choose from. It closed in 2002.
The theater, at 7420 N. Wayne Road, sits on a prime parcel, across the street from the Westland Shopping Center. While officials understand that it's difficult to get rid of a facility that has such nostalgia for people, they say they cannot afford to keep an abandoned structure on the site.
"It's in the heart of one of Westland's busiest districts," city spokeswoman Courtney Conover said. "We are not immune to the souring effects of the economy, but we feel confident that that area is on the turn. Every development is important moving forward. It speaks volumes for Westland."
Two area teenagers, Don Gurka of Livonia and Zachary Gizicki mounted an effort to protect the demolition of the old movie theater, but have been unsuccessful.
"The Quo Vadis was there a long time, and it was well-received," said Bruce Thompson, a city planner. "(But) the building sits there unused. ... We're happy to see redevelopments like this."
Tuesday's session is set for 7 p.m. at City Hall, 36601 Ford Road.
SourceWe ask that supporters come to Westland City Hall, 36601 Ford Road on Tuesday January 20th at 7 p.m. to support the foundation and its effort to protect the theater.
January 19 2009 21:25
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