Josh Kinser
Published: April 27, 2005
The neon lights of the orange and red facade of the long-abandoned Rex Theater are about to blink and buzz once again.
Tim Hogan, a successful and local software developer, has purchased the Rex Theater, which is located on Palafox Street next to Rock Hard Jewelry Designs. Hogan’s vision for the building just may revolutionize the music and nightlife scene in Pensacola.
“I want the Rex to be a real cool, awesome, rockin’ place,” Hogan said between sips of cappuccino Tuesday morning.
The Rex not only is going to be a music venue to host big name acts looking for a more intimate performance space but also will be accessible to smaller groups and our local musicians.
“I want the Rex to be totally accessible to smaller bands, and I don’t want the Rex to be limited to one genre or another,” Hogan said.
Along with major interior renovations that Hogan said will leave the Rex with a new “retro/art-deco/industrial” look, the theater will also be getting a technological make-over. Software that Hogan has designed will be used in the Rex and allow live high quality streaming video to be launched over the internet.
“We are going to have a 30 mm projector and digital projectors and a screen so that we can show independent films, classic concerts and recent ones as well,” Hogan explained. “We are going to use software to stream live shows over the internet straight from the Rex Theater. This is really going to bring bigger bands here that normally would not play a small venue in Pensacola.”
While Hogan optimistically projects the opening of the Rex to take place as early as mid-October, he admits it may be more realistic to plan for the opening a year from now.
When the lights are turned on and the removable seats are intact, 400 to 500 patrons will be able to experience the various forms of entertainment offered at the new Rex. For larger live music performances, the seating will be removed to facilitate the larger crowds and to open the floor for dancing.
This is the scene. Don’t buy the hype. Search for the genuine. Listen to more positive music and support the local music scene. See you at the show.
