Birmingham 8 Theater ownership transferred

By Kevin Elliott

Birmingham City Commissioners on Monday, May 10, formally approved site plans and special land use permits for the Birmingham 8 Theater, moving operations and the transfer of a liquor license forward following the transfer of ownership of the theater in February.

Paul Glantz, chairman of Emagine Entertainment, in February announced the purchase of the historic theater at 211. S. Old Woodward. It was last renovated in 2015, with updates to seating screens and the sound system, in addition to a liquor license.

The city commission’s actions on Monday, May 10, allow the theater to move forward with operations under the new ownership.

“We intend to operate the Birmingham 8 in a manner that will make the community proud, much in the way that Mr. (Ted) Fuller has operated the facility in that manner. We would like, within the definition of theatrical presentations, to include sporting events and occasional live entertainment, but if that’s not contemplated tonight or requires further amendment, we would be happy to come back and seek that at another time,” Glantz said.

City commissioners unanimously approved the final site plan and special land use permit, as well as the transfer of the Class C liquor license and required license investigation to be conducted by the Birmingham Police Department.

“I want to thank you for believing in Birmingham, especially in this unprecedented time of the pandemic. Especially in your business, the entertainment business went from almost 100 percent to zero. You are still facing challenges, yet you still invest in our city,” said Birmingham Mayor Pierre Boutros.