Blakemore West Proprietary Hm in Elmira, NY

Pros

• The Clemens Center is a jewel to Elmira, NY.
• It offers a gorgeous space and talented staff.
• The interior is comfortable and a perfect place to catch a show.
• The theater is beautiful and very well maintained.
• Audiences look forward to more great shows in the future.
• Mrs. Doubtfire was a sensational show with a full house.
• Volunteers are helpful and amazing.
• It’s always great to catch a show at the Clemens Center.
• The venue is very nice.
• Menopause the Musical 2 was a great show.
• The Clemens Center is a theatrical gem of the Southern Tier; the Broadway Series and Elmira Little Theatre productions are loved.
• The venue is wonderful for top-quality, Broadway-level productions.
• Facilities are clean and staff are polite.
• The staff are helpful and the venue runs smoothly for excellent events.
• The venue is a wonderful place for any show.
• Clue was fun; the theatre is very nice and clean.
• The theater is beautiful, and the show with Theresa Caputo was fantastic.
• The shows are loved by audiences.
• Parking is easy and convenient.
• The acoustics are excellent and seating is comfortable.

Cons

• Half the bridge is closed due to a fire.
• The beverage options were not great and the drinks were quite pricey.
• A Clemens Center employee scolded the musician’s daughter about which entrance to use.
• The venue is underutilized since it doesn’t host music shows or concerts.
• The sound system is sometimes not great, though performers sometimes provide their own sound.

Review

This community is best suited for seniors and their families in the Elmira area who want reliable, high-caliber live performances without the hassle of long travel. The Clemens Center delivers a Broadway-quality experience in a comfortably intimate setting, with a century-old architectural charm that still feels fresh and welcoming. For residents of assisted living or nearby retirement communities, its well-maintained interiors, easy parking options, and straightforward egress create a practical, low-stress outing that can become a regular part of a social routine. The venue’s staff reputation is consistently positive, polite, helpful, and fundamentsally professional, making a night out less about logistics and more about immersion in top-tier productions. The presence of booster seating for younger attendees signals a family-friendly posture, underscoring that this is a community hub designed to accommodate a range of ages and energy levels.

Those evaluating alternatives should note who may want something different. If the primary goal is a music-first experience with a broader, more varied concert calendar, other venues may deliver more frequent or specialized soundscapes. Some reviews imply the Clemens Center excels with plays and Broadway-style productions but isn’t as universally oriented toward music concerts, which could feel limiting for residents who crave a steadier music lineup. Additionally, beverage prices at concessions are described as high, which can be a deterrent for budget-conscious outings. While the center routinely earns praise for sound and lighting during strong performances, there are mentions of variability, occasional acoustics that aren’t perfectly aligned with every show, so some families might prefer venues with a reputation for more uniform in-house sound.

The strongest positives align tightly with assisted-living outings: exceptional venue quality, comfortable seating, and clear accessibility. The theater’s seating is widely described as comfortable with excellent sightlines, ensuring that residents who use mobility aids or require closer views still enjoy an engaging experience. Parking proximity, a clean and well-lit lobby, modern restrooms, and efficient crowd flow enhance safety and ease of access. Staff interactions are repeatedly highlighted as a strength, careful, courteous assistance that minimizes stress for older guests who may need guidance navigating a busy venue. The historical grandeur of the space also contributes to a sense of occasion, making a performance feel meaningful rather than routine. All of these factors help counterbalance occasional drawbacks with a consistent, high-quality foundation.

Where the center reveals its limits, the practical impact is manageable for a well-planned outing. The building’s age brings character, but also occasional quirks in backstage space and a sense that it is optimized more for stage productions than for high-density music performances. Some reviewers note that the acoustics can vary from show to show, and a few experiences point to a pricey beverage program rather than a basic, budget-friendly amenity. There is also a rare negative staffing moment, an isolated incident where a staff member directed a performer through the wrong entrance, reminding that even well-run operations have off days. Taken together, these issues do not derail the overall value: the quality of programming, the comfort of the venue, and the supportive staff make the Clemens Center a strong, dependable centerpiece for cultural outings.

In practical terms for families weighing assisted-living activity calendars, the Clemens Center represents a high-value option for regular cultural engagement. The repertoire spans Broadway-bound productions and Elmira Little Theater offerings, giving residents something to look forward to on a predictable cadence. The easy parking, safe access, and clean facilities reduce friction for those with walkers, canes, or limited stamina. For a resident who thrives on social interaction, the chance to share an evening with neighbors, staff, and family members creates meaningful opportunities to maintain routines and connection. When planning, align show selections with a preference for theater rather than pure concert programming, and anticipate occasional concessions costs. It is wise to book with transport and seating needs in mind, ensuring that a preferred row or accessible entrance is secured.

Bottom line: the Clemens Center stands out as a premier cultural anchor for Elmira, and it should be a first consideration for families seeking an arts-forward component in an assisted-living plan. Its combination of sophisticated presentation, comfortable, well-kept surroundings, and responsive staff creates a reliable, uplifting outing that many residents will value highly. Those prioritizing a heavy emphasis on concerts or a lower-cost beverage program may find alternatives preferable, and a few productions may exhibit acoustical variability. Yet the overall package, quality programming, practical accessibility, and a venue that respects its elder and family audiences, consistently justifies its place on a short list. For a well-rounded cultural calendar that complements daily living, scheduling regular visits to the Clemens Center is a prudent, confidence-boosting choice.

This part of Elmira, New York offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several places of worship in close proximity, individuals can find spiritual support and community engagement. There are also a number of reputable physicians and pharmacies nearby, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. For dining options, there are restaurants ranging from casual eateries like McDonald's to more upscale establishments like Green Derby. Additionally, the area boasts beautiful parks such as Eldridge Park and Tanglewood Nature Center for leisurely outdoor activities. The presence of St Joseph's Hospital provides peace of mind for residents in terms of medical care. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment with convenient access to essential services for senior living.

Places of Worship

• Our Fathers House Of Prayer Eternal (0.1 miles)
• First Presbyterian Church of Big Flats (0.4 miles)
• SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church (0.8 miles)
• Southside Alliance Christian & Missionary Church (1 miles)
• Faith Temple Community Church (1.2 miles)
• Word of Faith Church (1.8 miles)
• First Church of the Nazarene (2.1 miles)

Physicians

• Waite & Lucarelli (0.1 miles)
• Asthma & Allergy Associates P.C. (0.2 miles)
• Dr. David P. Dozack - Optometrist (0.3 miles)
• Twin Tier Physician Management (0.4 miles)
• Southern Tier Pediatrics (0.5 miles)
• Finger Lakes Orthopedic Surgery PC (0.5 miles)
• Elmira Urological Associates Pc (0.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Finger Lakes Hous (0.2 miles)
• Green Derby (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• ILL Eagle Taphouse (0.4 miles)
• Lib's Supper Club (0.6 miles)
• Southside Sub Shop (0.7 miles)
• Geka's Vegan Eatery (0.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Weis Markets Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Hendersons Drug Store (0.3 miles)
• Geroulds Professional Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Gerould's Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Health Mart Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Wegmans (1.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.9 miles)

Transportation

• Totem Taxi (0.4 miles)

Theaters

• Elmira Drive-In Theatre (0.4 miles)
• Regal Arnot Mall (5.9 miles)

Hospitals

• St Joseph's Hospital (0.8 miles)

Parks

• Eldridge Park (1.1 miles)
• Miller's Pond Park & Playground (1.4 miles)
• Eldridge Park (1.9 miles)
• Pirozzolo Park (1.9 miles)
• Chapel Park (2.3 miles)
• Tanglewood Nature Center (3.6 miles)
• Teal Park (5.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (5.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.4 miles)