KYW Team Coverage

Mayor Michael Nutter wants the endangered Boyd Theater declared historic, a designation that could save it from the wrecking ball. (see related story)

KYW's Mike Dunn reports Mayor Nutter is urging the city's Historical Commission to consider designating the Boyd Theater as historic, and the commission will meet on that question this summer. 

If the designation is approved, any new owner of the Boyd would have to get the Commission's okay before alterations or demolition. The current owner of the Boyd, the concert promoter Live Nation, has put the theater up for auction, and local preservationists fear a new owner will seek demolition. 

John Gallery is head of the Preservation Alliance:

"Its great that Mayor Nutter has spoken out so clearly in support of preserving the theater."

The Boyd, at 19th and Chestnut, was built in 1927. Also known for years as the Sam Eric, it closed its doors in 2002.

KYW's Kim Glovas talked with Howard Haas, president of Friends of the Boyd, who says the next step is making sure Live Nation hears this.

"Live Nation has put the Boyd Theater out for bid. They would like to choose a new buyer as early as next week, so it's really critical for Live Nation to get the message that the Philadelphia public would like to see the Boyd Theater preserved, restored and reopened."

He says, however, there's more to saving the Boyd than just the mayor's backing:
 
"There's a bigger story to this, which is that we still ready need the city and the commonwealth to step forward to help make the big picture work and get the theater into the right hands."

And he adds, that the theater is not demolished for development. Haas is hoping the city and state can line up some funding the keep the Boyd from the scrap pile.