Apollo Theater on Emma Avenue Under Contract, Set for Renovation

The real estate market along Emma Avenue in downtown Springdale continues to sizzle as the Apollo Theater is now under contract with local buyers who plan to renovate the aging structure.

Listing agent Phil Taldo, a co-owner and broker at Weichert, Realtors — The Griffin Co. in Springdale, confirmed the building at 308 W. Emma Ave. was under contract but did not disclose either the offer price or the buyer’s identity.

The theater, built in 1949 and owned by James Ritchey, went on the market for $70,000 in March.

Taldo, meanwhile, did not hesitate when speaking to the theater’s place in Springdale history.

“I saw my first movie in the Apollo and I’m sure most Springdale Baby Boomers can say the same,” Taldo said. “It’s exciting to see private money being invested in Emma Avenue because that’s the key to a successful redevelopment of the area. Local families and investors are stepping forward at this time, and they are spurred by the public investment in the Razorback Regional Greenway.”

The 6,348-SF theater, which includes two apartments on the second floor, was set to be demolished last month, but Taldo convinced the Springdale City Council to give the building a 90-day reprieve.

News of the Apollo comes in the wake of the purchase offer for the old Ryan’s Clothing and the San Jose Manor along the north side of the 200 block of east Emma by Tom Walton.

Springdale leaders will gather in downtown beginning at noon Friday for the groundbreaking on the Emma Avenue leg of the 36-mile regional trail from Bella Vista to Fayetteville.

Two buildings are being demolished to make way for a large green space linked to the trail. Speakers will include Carl George, co-CEO of George’s Inc. and chairman of the Downtown Springdale Alliance, and Springdale mayor Doug Sprouse.