Imperial Theatre
282 McMicken Avenue,
Cincinnati,
OH
45214
282 McMicken Avenue,
Cincinnati,
OH
45214
4 people
favorited this theater
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I was able to get a tour of the theatre from the people working on renovating it. Their plans are very ambitious, involving developing the lot next door for more arts-based activity and hosting. They’re still looking for funding, but they appear to be well organized so I think they can pull it off. Can we change the status to “renovating”?
The building was purchased a few years ago, and the owners have been very good about cleaning up the place and trying to revive it as a theatre space, though naturally it’s a long, slow, hard process. The neighborhood it’s in has recently been branded the Sohn-Mohawk Historic District, giving it historic protection and thus new incentive to rehab the space. There is a Facebook group, though updates are sporadic:
https://www.facebook.com/Imperialtheater/
If you go to utube and put in Camp Washington 1934 that will bring you to a wonderful 5 minute movie of the Imperial Theater area, hopes this helps you. Until son, Hank
@hanksykes, Do you know how I can a photo of the Imperial in it’s day? I have a family member who worked there when it was a movie theatre.
Imperial Th. recently purchased and being returned to a working venue again!
I found an old pic of the Imperial from the 1920s before that marquee was put up. I know it’s genuine because I know how the neighborhood looks. But I don’t know how to post it here. First time I saw that pic and it is really neat. I can e-mail it to you if you want to see it.
This Imperial Th. has a balcony and was opened with an open front which housed a sidewalk ticket booth. Later the front area recieved a glass facade and entrance doors in the 1920’s.
The top of this cinemas facade has been tagged with a gang name!
Although this building still functions as a place to buy a mattress a recent for sale sign is posted on its facade.
While watching “Police Women of Cincinnati last night, there is a quick shot of the Imperial marquee in one of the scenes.
After the Gayety Th. on Vine Street was demolished in 1970 Comedian Joe Virginia moved his burlesque dancers to The Imperial Follies and sometimes one could catch ole time comic Bob “Bobo” Snyder appearing,between the acts of the strippers, doing old jokes.
It did have a nice marquee.
Looks like Sanford and Son theatre in the 2009 photo.
Augusta’s IMPERIAL far better looking.
I went to the Imperial Follies in 1963…..I will never forget it
Wallyum, it is in fact a used furniture store…though i must say she is looking alot better now than the last time i went by there :)
WAllyum check out LOEWS 46th theatre,it is furniture store now I believe,I saw some photos on C.T. of it as the store and it still has the balcony seats and old time ceiling.
I didn’t spend a lot of time trying to figure out what anyone was up to, but that’s as good a guess as any. Seems like every picture I’ve seen on Flickr has had furniture of some sort out in front.
As of November 10, 2009, the Imperial still stands, looking much the same as it did the last time a pic was posted.
View link
Expect this building to be razed in the near future along with many others in the vicinity. Back in the 1920s thru the 1950s, this was actually a vibrant neighborhood. Now it is just the ‘hood. I wish there were more pics available when it was in better shape. It’s a shame to see old movie houses look like the 2008 photo. I see it quite often, as I occasionally pass by that area on business. I can confirm that is how it looks now.
Thanks ken mc , for a short list of theaters owned by Frank Huss, his folks had been in the cinema business since the early days of nickel shows in 1907. Ken your list of theatre blogs is impressive. Until soon,Hank.
In 1963, the Imperial was operated by Associated Theatres Corp. of Cincinnati. Associated also operated the Dixie, Park and Royal in Cincinnati as well as the Hiland in Fort Thomas, KY.
o and mommio…..i know what happened to ruby. she and my gran are still good friends
mommio, if you saw ole ruby, then you must have seen my grandma!!! her name was foxy faye!!! please email me, i would love to talk to you and any others on here that used to catch shows down at the imperial.
My friends and I saw Ruby Rage there in 1970 or 71. She was a Cincinnati classic! Does anyone know whatever happened to her?