Parma Theater to close at end of day Sunday

PARMA, Ohio - Ohio's 7th largest city will soon be without any movie theater within its borders.

At the end of the day Sunday, Parma Theater on Ridge Road will close its doors for good after serving movie-lovers in northeast Ohio since 1936.

"I just remember seeing a lot of movies here," said Ralph Robinson of Parma. "The price was right and it was close to home. It's sad to see it go."

Parma Theater management said declining attendance the last decade and a drop in revenue for 3-D family movies led to the decision to close. With 35 millimeter film prints going away, the theater would have to purchase expensive digital projectors and sound equipment. Managers say the theater was not big enough to get a return on the investment.

Third generation projectionist Timothy Murphy will miss working with film.

"With technology nowadays, I knew it was going to take it over sooner or later," said Murphy. "It was fun. It was fun doing it."

Bob and Rachel Nypaver shared many father-daughter moments at Parma Theater. They came back Monday to take one last trip down memory lane.

"I've been coming here since I was a little kid with my dad," said Rachel. " I have a lot of memories of it, so I really wanted to come back one last time.

Parma Theater was known for low prices for first-run movies. Management understood the financial impact closing would have on struggling families.

"We get people looking for bargains today," said Parma Theater Manager Bob Hellriegel. "It is tough on young families that come in from Cleveland and some of the older suburbs. Sorry we had to close up."

Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter told newsnet5.com that the city was not informed of the closing by theater owners. DeGeeter said he will advocate for redeveloping and renovating the property to return it to viability.