On Saturday, July 6, 2024, Sun-Ray Cinema had its final showing, marking its closing after nearly 100 years of operation. The cinema, located in the Five Points area of Riverside, Jacksonville, has been an important historical landmark for the community, providing entertainment, dining and a unique experience, reminiscent of Jacksonville’s historic former film industry.
The Sun-Ray Cinema was first opened in 1927 as the Riverside Theater. The theater was the first in the city to play movies that had sound. Ticket prices for movies were $1.10, which was expensive at the time as minimum wage was practically pennies. In 1949, the iconic marquee was added and the theater was renamed the Five Points Theater . From 1977 to 1978, the theater was closed so it could “modernize,” which included adding stucco to the building.
The theater would see many different uses in its years; however, it would never stray from its purpose of entertainment. The theater would close again in 1980 after failing to keep up with other multi-screen theaters. In 1984, the theater group River City Playhouse would move in to utilize the space. The group would eventually leave the theater when Club5 inc would take out a three-year lease on the property in 1991.
In 2004, the property was bought and renovations would begin. Renovations finished in 2008, and the theater was reopened to the public. The theater now had office space on the second floor and condominiums on the third and fourth floors. The marquee was also restored, although it was not original. In 2011, the theater would go through another big change. Tim and Shana Massett would raise $102,450 to refresh the theater. Renovations would include a larger screen, better sound, tiered seating and new food and beverage options. The venue was reopened, now under the name many know so well, Sun-Ray Cinema in Five Points. The cinema was a success, and would even add a second theater in 2014.In 2024, the building would be sold to Atlanta based developing firm Union South Partners. Union South Partners purchased the building for $7 Million and said they would not renew Sun-ray’s lease. The firm was clear in its intentions, saying it “intends to invest significant capital into the theater space to enhance and improve it as a destination for entertainment while preserving the theater’s historic fabric.” Plans for a new music venue, FIVE, were announced recently, which will open in January of 2025.
Image courtesy of Flickr.
Sources:
https://www.jacksonville.com/story/business/briefs/2024/05/21/sun-ray-cinema-to-close-after-lease-is-not-renewed-by-new-building-owners/73787220007/
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2014/01/second-screen-for-riversides-sun-ray.html
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/new-live-music-venue-five-to-open-in-old-sun-ray-cinema-theater-january-2025-riverside-jacksonville/77-e6fa3387-6ec2-48b6-837c-a1d5c23b7dfb
https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/6820
