No movies, no buttered popcorn, no zealous fans enjoying one of this city’s neatest long-lived businesses. The historic Des Moines Theater (Cinema) marquee reads, “Closed for Repairs.”

On Nov. 1, King County Fire District 26 and city of Des Moines officials closed the popular cinema for out-of-compliance safety issues dating back to August 2004.

Cinema manager Joel Thomson said, “For eight long years I’ve fought to get first-run films. If that’s lost it’s hard to get back.”

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Chicken Little were scheduled before the closing.

A Fire District correction notice addressed to Thompson, dated May 28, 2005, and signed by Ron Biesold, Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal, and Lawrence Pickard, City of Des Moines building official, refers to a fire and life safety inspection of the theater on Aug. 13, 2004.

Cited were five separate violations requiring correction, including four inaccessible exit doors, the need for a concrete pathway to the alley exit and removal of excessive storage items (some combustible) that presented a hazard.

Thomson said, unknown to him, a large number of items was stored in a concrete basement by the owner’s husband, now deceased.

After a walk-through on Dec. 1 by city and fire officials, Thomson and his attorney, Charles Stixrud, Fire Marshal Biesold said, “Joel and Mrs. Pappas (the building owner) have done a lot of work to remove that junk storage.

“Although some remains, it’s organized and pathways established.”

The other items still need corrections to comply with safety codes, according to both Biesold and Pickard. Therefore, the theater remains closed.

City and fire department officials say they want the theater open.

Thomson works mostly alone trying to do get this 1950s theater into compliance. He hopes to reopen before Christmas.

I suspect he, like many seasoned citizens, are reluctant to admit their knees hurt; our backs are killers when we try to straighten up, and banging a hammer rattles arthritic hands. Even if Joel could lift weights, climb ladders like a pro or swim the English Channel, he's a contributing community member with this theater that could use a neighborly boost about now.

Within reader-shot of this column, do you suppose there are building contractors and professionals skilled in cement work, electrical, mechanical and handyman talents who would like help Joel get this theater up and running?

Des Moines is treasured for its “small town ambiance.” Helping folks out around the world is great - helping out neighbors at home is amazing!

Major items remaining after the Dec. 1 walk-through, according to Chief Biesold, are: repair or replace the south outside stairs, add a concrete pad at the alley exit door, repair all exit doors to ADA (disabled) requirements, close openings to connecting basement rooms and locate offsite vehicle storage parking.

Considering the remaining needs, if immediate action were taken to correct them it would be possible to reopen the theater by Christmas.

If Extreme Makeover can build a whole house in one week, what could be done here?

Lawrence Pickard said, “I’m anxious to see the theater safe and open for all to enjoy and will work to that end.”

Des Moines City Manager Tony Piasecki declared, “What a wonderful facility to have in the middle of our town. We’re eager to work with Mr. Thomson to get his theater open with first-run movies, making it a ‘destination” business.’

“The city wants to partner with businesses. The city’s job is to provide a clear understanding of the rules with assistance and support. Their job is to follow those rules and hire good contractors.”

The newly formed Mayor’s Leadership group’s purpose is to establish community communication and support in working together.

The puzzle pieces seem to fit - can they be put together?

To help, call Community Development at 206-970-7576 or go to the cinema and knock loudly on the door for Joel.

This theater has hosted Miss Des Moines contests, Chamber meetings, St. Philomena Mass services, Waterland events and dispatched the legendary all-lady, fire-fighting “Bra Brigade.”

As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”