Rex Theatre
3809 Yakima Avenue,
Tacoma,
WA
98418
3809 Yakima Avenue,
Tacoma,
WA
98418
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The Rex Theatre was opened in 1919 by Martin Steffen to replace his smaller theatre of the same name that was just two doors down, at 3805 Yakima Avenue.
Seeking to give his patrons the best possible movie experience, Mr. Steffen had the theatre built with a nursery where mothers could care for their small children and infants while still being able to view the screen.
The Rex Theatre closed in 1958. On May 10, 1980 it reopened as an Adult movie theatre by Playtime Cinemas. In recent years it has been a church for Restoration Christian Ministries.
Contributed by
Lost Memory
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Recent comments (view all 14 comments)
I live a few blocks from this place. I remember this being a pron movie house when I was a kid. As far as I know, it is still owned by the Restoration Christian Ministries. The google street view image is how it looks today.
Update. Still owned by the church. I am taking a tour of the inside today and might be able to grab photos of anything interesting.
Are there any remaining interest in this theatre?? I’m in contact with the person who’s now the owner and they are trying to figure out what to do with it. If interested to share your thoughts, please email:
I had heard that the city was considering purchasing the theatre as part of the Lincoln District revitalization project. Question is how redeemable is the property? It appears boarded up and in not very good shape. It seems like that it would be an ideal spot for presenting art and foreign film.
JackCoursey and others, please give us your thoughts about what you want to do with this theatre/building?
If the building is structurally sound, it would be a great McMenamin’s theater-pub. Go to http://www.mcmenamins.com/Theaters to see what they are like.
I’ve also emailed btproperties206.
Not a bad idea Rob! If anyone has connections with Mcmenamin’s, let me know. Thanks. Rob (also)
http://www.tacomaweekly.com/news/article/lincoln-district-revitalizationThe Rex Theatre exterior is in the process of being restored! Unless someone opts to operate the site as a theatre, the interior will be gutted and converted to retail space. The interior looks in relatively good condition for being shuttered for decades and equipped for both stage and film presentations.
The reopening as an adult cinema by Playtime Cinemas on May 10th, 1980 generated pickets in front of the cinema.
Rex Theatre reopening 10 May 1980, Sat The News Tribune (Tacoma, Washington) Newspapers.com
Currently a Christian Revival venue.