The theatre was remodeled in 1999. They show some before & after photos. The 1942 renovation looked like a slightly squared off version of the Radio City Music Hall design – the radiating sunburst pattern with some art-moderne swirly decorations with an oriental motif on the sides. Not in very good shape. It has a new design now, from the small photo looks fairly modern, but with vibrant red and white colors, a fantastic fancy chandelier in the auditorium ceiling and new old-style side boxes. The lobby has some asian-themed paintings covered over in the renovation but the marble and gilt grand staircase has been nicely restored.
Forgot to mention. My estimate from looking around is that the auditorium originally seated about 1,100. Interesting – the auditorium walls had windows in then – looked original and must have simply been curtained off (The building may have been built earlier than 1912). Bowker Auditorium at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst about 10 miles east also has windows along the sidewalls, but virtually all of their performances are at night anyway.
sorry for the mispellings in my message above. I was referring to a “curved ceiling room”, which was the former back portion of the orchestra seating area under the balcony.
The story of 3/15/08 states that the city has pledged 2,500,000 bucks towards the renovation of the capitol, but that the tax-increment financing plan cannot be used if a private entity buys the building. But it appears the city is very interested in getting it reopened, calling it vital to the redevelopment of downtoan.
THS’s Marquee magazine for 4th quarter 2005 describes the Strand constructed by National Realty Company, headed by Rose, Archibald and Charles Silverman, and opening June 12, 2005. Architect was Thomas J. Hill Pierce, organ (installed 1930, later removed) was a Wurlitzer 3/13, style Balaban 2. Originally seating 2,500.
In January 1916 the Strand Theatre Orchestra was formed, followed by the Strand Operatic Concert Company in April 1917. They both provided concerts Sunday afternoons and evenings that drew large houses. That was the only live action on the stage until the rock concerts of the 1980s.
In 1930 Paramount Publix leased the theatre, renovated it, rebuilding the proscenium and lobby. The console for the organ was destroyed in the 1938 hurricane. Paramount gave up its lease in 1934,.
The Paramount originally opened in 1909 as the Olympia.Had a large squarish classically designed proscenium and opera boxes on the side. Photos just prior to its 1970 closing show the balcony side walls had been covered with a very light (white with gold?) damasque pattern. Entrance by then had a v-shaped marquee out front with 7 lines for lettering. A nice one-story classical facade with retail stores to the left side.
Described in a 1993 edition of Marquee Magazine as having been a small, narrow, quite shabby theater, later converted to retail and eventually demolished. Ads for the State stopped appearing in local newspapers in 1958.
An account by Gary J. Bravy in the Theatre Histocial Society’s Marquee magazine of 1993 describes the Arch Street theater as being a newer theater built probably during the 1940s, not really distinguished, but clean and servicable, with a vaguely art deco motif. The theater stopped appearing in newspaper advertisements in 1964 and the building was later converted into apartments or demolished and replaced by an apartment building.
Accoring to Marquee Vol. 20:2 (put out by the Theatre Organ Society), Charles Dawley designed the theater based on a design by John Eberson. As of 1988, the theatre was still owned by the Chakeres chain.
The Regent was opened in 1919. Originally built by Gus Sun for the Sun Vaudeville Circuit. Sun Circuit was considered the bottom rung of the vaudeville hierarchy. Performers who could survive a season could then go on to the Orpheum and other circuits.
The Madison (along with the Ohio Theatre) both closed in 1980. An attempt was made to restore the Madison but it failed. Attention was then turned to the Ohio which was renovated as the Renaissance Theatre. According to Marquee vol. 20:2, the Madison opened in 1931.
Good news! according to the article, there will be new seats and carpeting and wider rows, and new auditorium wall coverings. They’ll also renovate the restrooms and put a new single-pattern carpet in the main lounge. The last renovation had been done in 1996.
According to CRATOS, organ consoles at the Theatre Cedar Rapids are the Paramount were both flooded, particularly the one at the Paramount, which was toppled over and tossed around by 8+ feet of water. The console at the Theatre Cedar Rapids was hit by 4 feet of water but remained standing. Both organ consoles have been removed to a restoration site by the CRATOS, and will be restored.
According to CRATOS, both consoles were damaged, particularly the one at the Paramount, which was toppled over and tossed around by 8+ feet of water. The console at the Theatre Cedar Rapids was hit by 4 feet of water but remained standing. Both organ consoles have been removed to a restoration site by the CRATOS.
The CRATOS website is providing regular updates, but unfortunately the Paramount’s website is down; I hope their renovations are continuing.
According to the article the Palace was built as the Roger Sherman in 1925, on the site of the Rialto which burned in 1921.
The developer, David Nyberg, has been maintaining the building (it’s been kept heated since pipes burst 2 years ago, flooding it.)
They’ve put on a new roof and done complete asbestos removal and plumbing work, but right now a lot more needs to be done with regard to HVAC, electrical, adequate dressing rooms, concession area, administrative offices, bigger lobby, etc. Ceiling has been repainted midnight blue, and a lot of the ornamental details are well preserved.
The main problem is finding an entertainment group to run the theatre – they said once one is found, the building could be ready to open in 6 months.
Ralph Ringstadt is at it again! Some more great videos of his performances at the Jersey are on YouTube. Just search on “ralph ringstadt” at Youtube to find five more video performances.
There was a fire on July 8-9 which caused extensive damage to the rooms above the lobby. According to their website they plan to repair the damage and re-open. Hopefuly this will not take too long. The website shows some fire photos.
Unfortunately it does not show most of the great murals and plasterwork on the sidewalls that evoke the outdoor greek scene, or the top of the greek pediment on the proscenium. Also, the statue of the ticket taker was not at the left of the proscenium when the photo was taken (He’s there now; still don’t know who he is). It actually loooks a lot bigger when you enter the auditorium than in this photo. Once the auditorium is restored it will look quote impressive. It’s a very classic look considering it was built in 1938. The theatre even retains that distinctive smell (old plaster and buttered popcorn) that can only be enjoyed in the few remaining old theatres that still show movies.
The Latchis has opened a 4th screen in the store space to the immediate left (south) of the lobby entrance. It is being used for performing arts shows, particularly during the monthly Gallery Walks. Hopefully they will eventually start showing movies there too. The other three screens continue to show first run movies, frequently getting the big releases (Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, etc.). As part of the greek revival theme, the walls in the inner lobby, staircase and 2nd floor mezzanine are done as plaster stone blocks. The ones in the stairwell and upper area have never been repainted, and still show the skillfull shaded paint scheme which makes them look very realistic (they’re still pristine after 70 years, still look brand new!) The ones on the first floor have been painted cream, and it’s quite a difference. It shows how much better a restoration would look if they, hopefully, choose to recreate the original color scheme and not just put on a quick coat of paint.
The ceiling is painted blue, could use a new coat as the paint they used to cover cracks does not match. They did repaint the constellations, but I have never seen the stars turned on. The setas in the main auditorium are original and pretty beat up. It would look great when restored.
The only remaining interior artifacts are the movie poster cases along the outer lobby, now filled with bicycle posters. The bicycle shop is in the former lobby area. The auditorium portion was so badly burned it had to be gutted and has been converted to offices. One hall wall has a large mural depicting the fire. Some of the brick walls were left bare, showing the scorch marks from the fire.
As we can see, it is by far closer to the Denver Paramount than the Aurora Paramount. It is a fairly narrow auditorium, (smaller too- 1,600 seats vs Denver 2,090) and the designs are very similar to the Denver Paramount; with slightly different decorations at the top of the columns (although the light fixtures are virtually the same). Also note the narrow extension of the balcony along the sidewall. I really like the sun-ray motif above the proscenium – was the Denver paramount similar originally? One comment I read about some years ago about the color scheme of the Boston Paramount is the predominant colors on the sidewalls were blue and gold versus the Aurora’s predominant red and gold.
Anyway, enjoy the picture! I wish it were in color! I wish I had been able to see it when it was still open!
Still trying to find out what year the Centre was built. It was definitely built after 1941 (the 1942 AFI theatre listing does not include the Centre), but I don’t believe it could have been built to showcase the 1952 Cinemascope process (as mentioned above); it’s design looks too early for that. Possibly right after WW II?
Their webpage is:
http://www.valentinetheatre.com
The theatre was remodeled in 1999. They show some before & after photos. The 1942 renovation looked like a slightly squared off version of the Radio City Music Hall design – the radiating sunburst pattern with some art-moderne swirly decorations with an oriental motif on the sides. Not in very good shape. It has a new design now, from the small photo looks fairly modern, but with vibrant red and white colors, a fantastic fancy chandelier in the auditorium ceiling and new old-style side boxes. The lobby has some asian-themed paintings covered over in the renovation but the marble and gilt grand staircase has been nicely restored.
Forgot to mention. My estimate from looking around is that the auditorium originally seated about 1,100. Interesting – the auditorium walls had windows in then – looked original and must have simply been curtained off (The building may have been built earlier than 1912). Bowker Auditorium at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst about 10 miles east also has windows along the sidewalls, but virtually all of their performances are at night anyway.
sorry for the mispellings in my message above. I was referring to a “curved ceiling room”, which was the former back portion of the orchestra seating area under the balcony.
The story of 3/15/08 states that the city has pledged 2,500,000 bucks towards the renovation of the capitol, but that the tax-increment financing plan cannot be used if a private entity buys the building. But it appears the city is very interested in getting it reopened, calling it vital to the redevelopment of downtoan.
THS’s Marquee magazine for 4th quarter 2005 describes the Strand constructed by National Realty Company, headed by Rose, Archibald and Charles Silverman, and opening June 12, 2005. Architect was Thomas J. Hill Pierce, organ (installed 1930, later removed) was a Wurlitzer 3/13, style Balaban 2. Originally seating 2,500.
In January 1916 the Strand Theatre Orchestra was formed, followed by the Strand Operatic Concert Company in April 1917. They both provided concerts Sunday afternoons and evenings that drew large houses. That was the only live action on the stage until the rock concerts of the 1980s.
In 1930 Paramount Publix leased the theatre, renovated it, rebuilding the proscenium and lobby. The console for the organ was destroyed in the 1938 hurricane. Paramount gave up its lease in 1934,.
The Paramount originally opened in 1909 as the Olympia.Had a large squarish classically designed proscenium and opera boxes on the side. Photos just prior to its 1970 closing show the balcony side walls had been covered with a very light (white with gold?) damasque pattern. Entrance by then had a v-shaped marquee out front with 7 lines for lettering. A nice one-story classical facade with retail stores to the left side.
Described in a 1993 edition of Marquee Magazine as having been a small, narrow, quite shabby theater, later converted to retail and eventually demolished. Ads for the State stopped appearing in local newspapers in 1958.
An account by Gary J. Bravy in the Theatre Histocial Society’s Marquee magazine of 1993 describes the Arch Street theater as being a newer theater built probably during the 1940s, not really distinguished, but clean and servicable, with a vaguely art deco motif. The theater stopped appearing in newspaper advertisements in 1964 and the building was later converted into apartments or demolished and replaced by an apartment building.
Architectural style could best be described as Sullivanesque
Accoring to Marquee Vol. 20:2 (put out by the Theatre Organ Society), Charles Dawley designed the theater based on a design by John Eberson. As of 1988, the theatre was still owned by the Chakeres chain.
The Regent was opened in 1919. Originally built by Gus Sun for the Sun Vaudeville Circuit. Sun Circuit was considered the bottom rung of the vaudeville hierarchy. Performers who could survive a season could then go on to the Orpheum and other circuits.
The Madison (along with the Ohio Theatre) both closed in 1980. An attempt was made to restore the Madison but it failed. Attention was then turned to the Ohio which was renovated as the Renaissance Theatre. According to Marquee vol. 20:2, the Madison opened in 1931.
The above link doesn’t work. Try this instead:
View link
Nice, art-moderne single-level design. I got an exterior shot in 1985; may be able to post it sometime.
Good news! according to the article, there will be new seats and carpeting and wider rows, and new auditorium wall coverings. They’ll also renovate the restrooms and put a new single-pattern carpet in the main lounge. The last renovation had been done in 1996.
According to CRATOS, organ consoles at the Theatre Cedar Rapids are the Paramount were both flooded, particularly the one at the Paramount, which was toppled over and tossed around by 8+ feet of water. The console at the Theatre Cedar Rapids was hit by 4 feet of water but remained standing. Both organ consoles have been removed to a restoration site by the CRATOS, and will be restored.
According to CRATOS, both consoles were damaged, particularly the one at the Paramount, which was toppled over and tossed around by 8+ feet of water. The console at the Theatre Cedar Rapids was hit by 4 feet of water but remained standing. Both organ consoles have been removed to a restoration site by the CRATOS.
The CRATOS website is providing regular updates, but unfortunately the Paramount’s website is down; I hope their renovations are continuing.
According to the article the Palace was built as the Roger Sherman in 1925, on the site of the Rialto which burned in 1921.
The developer, David Nyberg, has been maintaining the building (it’s been kept heated since pipes burst 2 years ago, flooding it.)
They’ve put on a new roof and done complete asbestos removal and plumbing work, but right now a lot more needs to be done with regard to HVAC, electrical, adequate dressing rooms, concession area, administrative offices, bigger lobby, etc. Ceiling has been repainted midnight blue, and a lot of the ornamental details are well preserved.
The main problem is finding an entertainment group to run the theatre – they said once one is found, the building could be ready to open in 6 months.
Looks like they’re planning to do more renovations beyond lobby and restrooms – primarily in the backstage area.
Also they’ve expanded beyond concerts; their current schedule includes ballet and opera as well.
Ralph Ringstadt is at it again! Some more great videos of his performances at the Jersey are on YouTube. Just search on “ralph ringstadt” at Youtube to find five more video performances.
There was a fire on July 8-9 which caused extensive damage to the rooms above the lobby. According to their website they plan to repair the damage and re-open. Hopefuly this will not take too long. The website shows some fire photos.
Here is a recent photo of the Latchis Auditorium:
http://www.sover.net/~spectrum/latchis.jpg
Unfortunately it does not show most of the great murals and plasterwork on the sidewalls that evoke the outdoor greek scene, or the top of the greek pediment on the proscenium. Also, the statue of the ticket taker was not at the left of the proscenium when the photo was taken (He’s there now; still don’t know who he is). It actually loooks a lot bigger when you enter the auditorium than in this photo. Once the auditorium is restored it will look quote impressive. It’s a very classic look considering it was built in 1938. The theatre even retains that distinctive smell (old plaster and buttered popcorn) that can only be enjoyed in the few remaining old theatres that still show movies.
The Latchis has opened a 4th screen in the store space to the immediate left (south) of the lobby entrance. It is being used for performing arts shows, particularly during the monthly Gallery Walks. Hopefully they will eventually start showing movies there too. The other three screens continue to show first run movies, frequently getting the big releases (Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, etc.). As part of the greek revival theme, the walls in the inner lobby, staircase and 2nd floor mezzanine are done as plaster stone blocks. The ones in the stairwell and upper area have never been repainted, and still show the skillfull shaded paint scheme which makes them look very realistic (they’re still pristine after 70 years, still look brand new!) The ones on the first floor have been painted cream, and it’s quite a difference. It shows how much better a restoration would look if they, hopefully, choose to recreate the original color scheme and not just put on a quick coat of paint.
The ceiling is painted blue, could use a new coat as the paint they used to cover cracks does not match. They did repaint the constellations, but I have never seen the stars turned on. The setas in the main auditorium are original and pretty beat up. It would look great when restored.
The only remaining interior artifacts are the movie poster cases along the outer lobby, now filled with bicycle posters. The bicycle shop is in the former lobby area. The auditorium portion was so badly burned it had to be gutted and has been converted to offices. One hall wall has a large mural depicting the fire. Some of the brick walls were left bare, showing the scorch marks from the fire.
Finally, a photo of the INTERIOR of the Boston Paramount!!
http://www.sover.net/~spectrum/paramount.jpg
As we can see, it is by far closer to the Denver Paramount than the Aurora Paramount. It is a fairly narrow auditorium, (smaller too- 1,600 seats vs Denver 2,090) and the designs are very similar to the Denver Paramount; with slightly different decorations at the top of the columns (although the light fixtures are virtually the same). Also note the narrow extension of the balcony along the sidewall. I really like the sun-ray motif above the proscenium – was the Denver paramount similar originally? One comment I read about some years ago about the color scheme of the Boston Paramount is the predominant colors on the sidewalls were blue and gold versus the Aurora’s predominant red and gold.
Anyway, enjoy the picture! I wish it were in color! I wish I had been able to see it when it was still open!
Still trying to find out what year the Centre was built. It was definitely built after 1941 (the 1942 AFI theatre listing does not include the Centre), but I don’t believe it could have been built to showcase the 1952 Cinemascope process (as mentioned above); it’s design looks too early for that. Possibly right after WW II?