Owner of old Forks cinema says he will proceed cautiously before planning future for boarded-up site

FORKS — A hub of social life for nearly 50 years, a long-abandoned and aging movie theater near the center of town is drawing attention from city officials.

And it’s not positive.

Olympic Theatre, located on Division Street just off Forks Avenue, is “kind of an eyesore,” said Dan Leinan, city clerk/treasurer.

“It isn’t quite to the point where it’s ready to fall down, but we do get complaints about it.”

Last week, Mayor Nedra Reed wrote the property’s owner, Rich Hsu, asking him exactly what he planned to do with the building that was built in the 1930s and served as the local movie theater until about the early 1980s.

While Hsu admits the building is in bad shape, he says he’s not going to rush into any decision about what to do with it.

Hsu on Monday night was scheduled to speak before the City Council about a number of options for the site as a way to start the planning process.

“We are in the consulting stage,” said Hsu, a West End businessman who bought the Olympic Theatre property in 2000.

“If worse comes to worse, then we are going to put a ‘for sale’ sign on it and walk away.

“But right now, we don’t have that plan. We will do our best to renovate, remodel or convert it into some other kind of business.”

The building, which is boarded up and has suffered serious damage to a rear storage room as well as interior water damage, has been renovated a number of times during its lifetime, Hsu said.

“In Forks, this building holds a lot of memories for a lot of people,” he added.

“That why we’re taking a really cautious approach.”

More in News

Phyllis Becker of Port Hadlock, foreground, and Wendy Davis of Port Townsend, volunteers with the Jefferson County Trash Task Force, pick up litter along Discovery Road on Sunday during the first trash pickup of the year. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Litter patrol

Phyllis Becker of Port Hadlock, foreground, and Wendy Davis of Port Townsend,… Continue reading

Jefferson County defers oversight role for homelessness grant

OlyCAP will continue to be lead agency for Commerce funding

Members of Trail Life USA, a boys Christian adventure organization, salute the burning retired flags and holiday wreaths from veterans’ graves. This joint flag retirement and wreath burning ceremony took place Saturday at the Bekkevar farm in Blyn. (Emma Maple/Peninsula Daily News)
Flags, veterans’ wreaths retired at ceremony

Boys, girls organizations attend event at farm

One person taken to hospital after three-car collision

Two people were injured following a three-car collision on… Continue reading

Jefferson Conservation District seeking board candidates

The Jefferson County Conservation District is accepting applications for… Continue reading

Closing reception set for ‘Strong People’ exhibit

The Field Hall Gallery will host a closing reception… Continue reading

Kathy Downer takes the oath office for Sequim City Council seat No. 1 on Jan. 8, 2024, in the council chambers. She plans to resign from council this month after three-plus years to spend time with family. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group file)
Sequim council member to resign

Downer unseated former mayor in 2023 election

If a construction bond is approved, Sequim High School’s open campus could be enclosed to increase safety and update the older facility, Sequim School District staff said. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Ballots for Sequim schools’ bond, levy measures to be mailed Jan. 22

Helen Haller Elementary would be replaced, if successful

Stakeholders and community leaders stand together for the ceremonial groundbreaking of Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County's Lyon's Landing property in Carlsborg on Dec. 23. (Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County)
Habitat breaks ground at Carlsborg development

Lyon’s Landing planning to host 45 homes

Weekly flight operations scheduled

There will be field carrier landing practice operations for aircraft… Continue reading

Students from Mutsu City, Japan, and Port Angeles sit in a Stevens Middle School classroom eating lunch before the culture fair on Tuesday. To pass the time, they decided to have a drawing contest between themselves. (Rob Edwards)
Japanese students visit Port Angeles as part of sister city program

Mutsu students tour area’s landmarks, stay with host families