"Uncertainty" for 2 historic theaters in Massachusetts amid building sale, business owners say

The buildings that house the historic Somerville Theatre and the Capitol Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts have been put up for sale, but the business owners are hoping they'll still be able to welcome moviegoers for years to come.

The theaters are each more than 100 years old. The person who owns both buildings in Somerville's Davis Square and on Mass. Ave in Arlington has decided to retire, CSB Theaters, Inc. said in a social media post this weekend.

"While the uncertainty surrounding a sale is unnerving for everyone who treasures these places, and especially for those who rely on them for their livelihoods, we're cautiously optimistic about the future," the business owners said.

Somerville Theatre and Capitol Theatre buildings for sale

Real estate listings say the asking price for each building is $12 million.

"Meticulously preserved and modernized over four decades of ownership, this rare investment opportunity combines historic character, significant capital improvements, diversified income streams, and an irreplaceable presence in one of Greater Boston's most vibrant commercial districts," says the listing for the Somerville Theatre building, which also includes the Crystal Ballroom. 

The Somerville Theatre opened in 1914 and has three screens. It has also hosted concerts by U2 and Bruce Springsteen.

The Capitol Theatre has six auditoriums and just celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. 

Other tenants that would be affected by a sale include the Mr. Crepe restaurant in Somerville and an Otto pizzeria in Arlington. 

Mr. Crepe shares the building with the Somerville Theatre. Manager Luis Ballesteros says customers have been coming in often and asking them about their future. "We know we were going to be OK. The landlord told us that even if they sell the place, we have a contract, so the place is sold with the contract," said Ballesteros.

What's next for historic theaters in Somerville and Arlington?

CSB Theaters says it is "working behind the scenes to ensure the future of these businesses."

"With multi-year lease agreements in place, we are confident that little will change for us in the short term," the business owners said. "That, coupled with our steadfast commitment to our communities of Somerville and Arlington, and their unwavering support of these local institutions, makes us hopeful for what comes next."  

The Somerville Theatre marquee has become an icon for the city, and a beacon for Davis Square. Paul Reinert couldn't imagine it leaving his neighborhood.

"Decades ago, when it was going to close and be made into some kind of multiplex, it was really community activism that kept the theater here," said Reinert.

He not only comes to the spot to watch movies but loves going to the Crystal Ballroom next door to see concerts. "For me, it's not just movies, but the international musicians that come," said Reinert. "Harvard Square Theatre ended up just closing its doors and it's been shuttered for a decade. I feel like anything can happen."

"My wife and I just brought our baby to a 'baby matinee' which is a tradition they have every Monday. It's been going on for 20 years," said David Tresner-Kirsch, a customer of the Capitol Theatre. "They keep the lights up and your baby can be a baby. If they cry, you don't have to leave. The volume is lower."

Tresner-Kirsch said the "baby matinee" is just one of several traditions at the independent theater. He says Capitol Theatre also has a club that watches really bad, old 1980's VHS movies.

"I feel like that's not something you can do and experience at the multiplex where it's a national corporation," said Tresner-Kirsch.