The age-herald., 1898-02-09
A NEW THEATER
 FOR BIRMINGHAM Western Capitalists Are Conducting Me-
 SOtladOnS THROUGH A LOCAL AGENT Representative Sent Here to View the
 Ground Over. AN EFFORT TO PURCHASE A SITE When Representative Returns Something Definite Will Be Accomplished for s6OO,- 900 Structure Patterned After Ta-
 Dor Theater of Denver.
AN EFFORT TO PURCHASE A SITE

The news printed in The Age-Herald that negotiations were on foot for new theater has been verified, and it is now announced that western capitalists in- terested in the scheme and have gone so far as to investigate in regard to locating a site
 According to the plans of these capital ists the new building will be 0 modern structure, patterned after the Tabor grand theater in Denver, and will necessitate an outlay of $500 900. R. H. Thomas, we'll known citizens and real estate agent of Birmingham, is conducting the local end of the negotiations.
 From him it was learned that the gen. tlemen in question represent large amount of capital. Through persons who formerly resided in this city they became interested in Birmingham, and the ex- cellent field for a new and modern play house. They were put in correspondence with R. H. Thomas, the real estate agent, which resulted in a representative of the proposed company coming to Birmingham to look over the field.
 Viewing Locations Several weeks ago this gentleman ar rived in the city and, in company with MT. Thomas, several locations were looked over among which were the Caldwell hotel lot the old Methodist church lot, corner FOurtn avenue anu INllleleSnth oliSct ohA the northwest corner of Third avenue and Twenty-first street, extending back to the Drennen building on Third avenue. The last named site made the most fa- yorable impression on the gentleman, who authorized MT Thomas to negotiate for the purchase of the lot The property is owned by several different parties. and it was the intention to secure options from each party and in that way purchase the entire property. The negotiations were opened, and it is said that one or two of the owners demanded exhorbitant prices, which precluded the purchase. This is also said to be true to the old Methodist church property which has been spoken of before as a site for new the atef.
 To Report the Result The gentleman returned to his home to report the result of his investigation to his associates, and since then have kept up correspondence with MT. Thomas, who also put them in direct correspondence with the owners of this and other property. In a letter received a few days ago 1t was stated that another representative would be here in a short time, and 1t Is probable that something definite will be agreed upon.
 The promoters are said to be a Colorado capitalist, western railroad president and two well-known western theatrical man. agers.
 MT. Thomas was seen by an Age-Herald reporter yesterday and said that the gen. temen were entirely reliable and meant business; that the gentleman who came to look over the field was prepared to put up any reasonable amount for options on the property in question.
 One of the Prospective Sites
 Several days ago Ths Age-Herald printed an announcement tha4 such negotiations were in progress and that the theater would be built on the corner of First avenue and Twenty-second street the site form erly occupied by the Caldwell hotel. It has since developed that this was one of several sites that have been considered by the