De-faced

(...as in: the face of this place has been completely torn off.)

 

The Dunes opened in 1973 as part of the Dunes Plaza shopping center, and was owned by General Cinema.

 

Off the bat the place had a reputation for dangerous crowds, and it only worsened into the 80s, ultimately shutting down in 1984. With the exception of the west anchor, the entire rest of this shopping center is dead and in a severe state of decay.

 

The original "CINEMA I-II" sign still clung to its facade until 2011, when it was looted by an anonymous group with restoration in-mind. Although they were able to light the original neon in one of the letters, time had damaged the metal beyond repair, and unfortunately the sign was scrapped.

 

Further reading:

cinematreasures.org/theaters/5877/photos

 

Dunes Cinema I-II -- Gary/Miller, IN -- 9/25/11

Done