A Letter to Save Sun-Ray Cinema | Exploring Alternative Ways to Drive Revenue & Culture to the City of Jacksonville

Today, I come to you with a heartfelt appeal—one that speaks to the very essence of community, culture, and preservation. In the heart of Five Points, Jacksonville, stands Sun-Ray Cinema, a cherished institution that has woven itself into the fabric of our lives.

You may have heard the distressing news: Sun-Ray’s future hangs in the balance. The threat of its transformation into a virtual golf course looms large, driven by negotiations initiated by its landlord, Jack Shad. For those who hold dear the memories, the art, and the heritage that Sun-Ray embodies, this is a gut-wrenching reality.

In response to this imminent threat, I penned a letter to Jack Shad and his business colleagues, imploring them to reconsider the fate of Sun-Ray. I spoke of the deep-rooted significance of this historic theater, built in 1927, and the devastating impact its closure would have on our community.

But my letter does not stand alone—it is but one voice among many, raised in unison to safeguard Sun-Ray’s future. It is a plea born out of love, a call to action rooted in our collective desire to preserve the soul of our neighborhood.

I invite you to read my letter, to understand the gravity of the situation, and to join the chorus of voices advocating for Sun-Ray’s salvation. Your support, your comments, your solidarity—they all matter in this fight to ensure that Sun-Ray continues to illuminate our lives for generations to come.

Together, let’s raise awareness, spark dialogue, and work towards securing a bright future for Sun-Ray Cinema focusing on the “what if” instead of the “what is” approach.

Below you will find what I have written in response as well as a way you can petition. Just don’t petition in a way that doesn’t offer solutions, that isn’t helpful:

Hello Team!

I was wondering if we could utilize the space for something other than what you are considering for this space. While I will say that I do not know all of the details, nor do I know what prompted this reason, I do feel that this space could be utilized in other ways and also open up additional revenue streams without major renovation or demolition.

Given Jack’s experience in the historic preservation of buildings, it would be beneficial to consider opening more options in areas of entertainment for this Jacksonville legacy and cultural landmark.

Ways this could become a reality is if you would consider a music venue catered toward an eclectic group of music goers in a similar fashion as Tabernacle of Atlanta, GA.

https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZpaFEZe/tabernacle-events

The multi-use venue caters to an underground music scene with sold-out shows consistently while adding a diverse audience to the city’s culture while also driving revenue in other areas of the city such as tourism by featuring select artists.

Additionally, if this were an option you find value in exploring, I would be honored to assist in developing a plan that utilizes my background in both the arts and business. I also understand if you find more value in other avenues but do ask if you would consider the value of this venue and its possible contributions to further the culture of the City of Jacksonville.

Thanks!

Regards,

John Palmer Payne

Author’s Note: To lend your voice to the Save Sun-Ray campaign, please click here: Save Sun-Ray Petition