The Norshor of 2005 is hardly the Norshor of 2009. If somebody were to open a music and movies based business there again, it would probably get more support. It's a shame that it's not.

None of the various incarnations of the Norshor have been a "business" success- including it's current operation. If the previous attempts at art house cinema, rock venue, theatre and dance venue and plain ol' bar with semi-regular live music had made money, they'd still be going on now. Most were, in my humble opinion, a smashing creative success. A second rate strip club is hard for me to quantify, but I'm guessing it won't last long even if the license is not yanked. Let's remember the good times and look forward to the other new venues working to make a go of it. In fact, let's go spend some money, too!

death knell.

Adam beat me to it.

I used to really respect Eric.  But now i just think he's crazy.

When Ringsred tears that dump down, I call dibs on the handrails.

Doesn't Fargo have a gorgeous Art DEco theatre in the middle of their downtown? My hometown had one, it was absolutely gorgeous and I spent many afternoons and evenings there, watching double feature movies. Sadly, it was damaged during the Loma Prieta earthquake in '89 and demolished.

If Duluth could do with the Norshor what Fargo has done with the Fargo Theatre I would have faith in humanity.

Didn't PDD speak/promo a dance club or something that was in the same building and you had to go through the Norshor to get to it? Is is still in business?

I'm not defending what Eric has done with any of his properties. BUT, they are HIS. If you had tried to save interesting and historic buildings with your own money, does everybody in Duluth get a say in what you do with them? Eric has done more for this city than most folks realize. If it wasn't for the efforts of Eric and the Stop the Freeway group back in the 70s, the entire south side of Superior St. between 5th Ave W and 8th Ave E was going to be razed. Every single f'ing building! Lake Place Park and the Lakewalk were CONCESSIONS on the part of the DOT! Once, when Dr. Ringsred went to court to stop the demo of the building that used to be where the bingo ramp currently sits, the mayor had a cop waiting for him outside the courthouse to give him a ticket for garbage in his yard. He has given many people numerous opportunities to try to start businesses or art venues or whatever in the buildings he has saved from the wrecking ball. At some point, he just got fed up with the amount of crap he's had to take from the City, the DNT and the community. He really doesn't have an ego about it- he's just tired of the BS and does not care what happens. Seriously, be glad for the cool stuff that we all shared at one point or another- and participate constructively in what ever can be done for the future of this Perfect Duluth!

You said it Lunt. It seems like a true preservationist would have been like " wow, a guy with a lot of cash and a penchant for the arts- what a perfect fit for my white elephant old theater here!!" and sell it to the guy. Instead, the nice indy theater is now across the street- which is cool- but too bad for the beautiful old Norshor building. The "preservationist" doctor seems motivated here by something else other than his love of old buildings. Is it greed? ego? I have no idea. Basically, he has signed the death warrant on the Norshor. He missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with Zeitgeist.
I used to love the Norshor, and support it with my money, time, and art. Now, with Dr. R's loving guidance, I couldn't care less about it.  A strip club....his way of thumbing his nose at "the man?" Very mature. You are also thumbing your nose at a lot of good people who don't deserve it. Kind of like your building doesn't deserve it. Good work.

I am ambivalent about Eric Ringsred.  As far as I am concerned, everything you have said here about about "the Doctor" (as I affectionately call him) is totally true.  Including the conflicting accounts.  Tim K, Starfire, Calk, even Carla, you are all correct.  He is a puzzle of a man.

Fargo, Green Bay, St Cloud, Red Wing, Sheboygan, Rockford, Eau Claire, and even the cultural mecca of Ironwood, Michigan.  All of these small regional cities have successfully restored similar theaters. Seems most were also defunct basket-cases, taken over in the 1980's by community non-profits.  Restored with contributions and grant money, then operated as centers for the arts.
 
It is lamentable, even surprising, that Duluth does not have a historic theater space  (functioning).  Maybe the earlier Depot project sucked some of the oxygen out of the room, as far as pursuing another regional arts center / big restoration project?  Perhaps if the Depot returns to passenger rail service, some of their arty tenants will be looking for a new space? A storied, landmark theater with a checkered past? Perhaps? 

Agree we shouldn't wring our hands too much, with the Zeppa project addressing the needs. Can't wait!

Helping out at the Shor at that time was the best thing I have ever done.  From the Papa Roach show, steve-o, link wray, frankie bones, trampled, poetry slams, solent green, open mic, and all the black label drunks such a diverse spectrum of gigs.  The only place in town with charm.  Miss all the martini makin' days.  The afternoon drunks and dick of course.  Speak of it fondly.  p.s Trampled in Florida?

Yes, the doctor is a puzzle wrapped up in an enigma--or maybe the other way round--but is a force for good in general, in my experience. I would like to see the Paul Robeson Ballroom open for business.

The "Eyes + Hands" festival was one of the best times of my life. Thanks for the reminder..

As a former Duluthian now living in Minneapolis, I'm happy to see the new movie theater, and have been totally bummed about the 'Shor. I will be keeping my eyes peeled to see what happens..

I worked at the NorShor in the early 60s. It was a nice 1st-run downtown movie theatre. U think it is terrible what Eric Ringsred is doing to it. I have lived in Minneapolis the past 45 years and they revived the State Orpheum & Mann into live Broadway shows. I don't see why they couldn't do the same thing with the NorShor.