J. Moses Caesar and the New Parkway crew - who had been trying to lease the former New Parkway Theatre from the original owners without any success to date - have been looking at he former Audi dealership at 2345 Broadway (Auto Row) and at the former Omni Nightclub at 4799 Shattuck Ave. in Temescal.

Formerly The Ligure Club, the building they are considering was built in 1938 as an Italian American social club and has a dance floor, an auditorium, a bar and a  kitchen and banquet hall on the basement level.

Caesar's been gathering public support, backing and funding since last fall and has over 1,700 people on its mailing list, but efforts to sign a list at the Parkway's former location have been unsuccessful. A recent Oakland Tribune story says a new location is in the works.

Will the Parkway come to Auto Row or Temescal? If Caesar is going to make good on his vow to open before 2011 closes, that could be the case.

Track the Facebook group for updates.

About Susan Mernit

Susan Mernit is the founder of Oakland Local. She is also a circuit rider for The Community Information Challenge, a program of The John S and James L Knight Foundation, and a consultant to non-profit and community organizations. Susan lives in North Oakland, near the Santa Fe school, with her partner Andy, her housemate, a big old dog named Winston, and a yard full of ants. She is an aspiring gardener, a long-time blogger & entrepreneur, and a recovering journalist.