Seattle Times (RVP news partner):
When the Columbia City Cinema closed after a seven-year run, it left thousands in wasted donations and unpaid loans as the fourth independent theater to run into trouble under its now-bankrupt operator.
The vacant building can’t be occupied because when Paul Doyle remodeled it, he did so without permits. Fire inspectors found missing sprinklers and alarms, burned-out exit lights and flammable debris.
“It’s basically a big matchbox,” said Seattle Deputy Mayor Darryl Smith. “Once you know that, if something ever does happen … ”
So the two-story, three-screen theater sits empty in the middle of the summer movie season. More.
Photo/do communications
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