By Tom Weber, KWMU
Clayton, MO – The mayor of Clayton says he'd like to see an old, empty movie theater returned to its former glory. The Shady Oak has been in downtown Clayton since the 1930s but closed almost exactly five years ago.
Mayor Ben Uchitelle says recent plans to turn it into a sports bar fell through when money dried up.
Now Uchitelle says it's a great chance to re-open the Shady Oak as a one screen movie theater, or make it a live performance venue.
"And with Metrolink coming in next year - there's a Metrolink stop just two blocks away - it would be a great location," Uchitelle said. "It's empty now, the chairs have been taken out, so it's ready to go."
Clayton doesn't own the Shady Oak. But Uchitelle says city officials are working with the owner to find someone with the money to re-open the building.