There wasn’t any plan that included the return of the Keith’s to some sort of theater use, correct? The best case was that the lobby would be retained in the new development. At least that’s my recollection.
The first picture is the Tennessee Theatre (still open) in Knoxville, TN. The third picture shows the Fisher Theatre in Detroit, prior to its “renovation” in 1961.
Agreed. Looks like a real gem. Wish there was more information and photos. The auditorium, what we can see of it, is stunning! Can’t believe they let this one get away.
David, I believe you’re correct about JAM being the only one at the sale. However, at the time I was thinking that their interest was really in controlling the property, rather than spearheading a renovation. I am probably wrong about that, but it is curious nothing has happened with the theatre since. I realize there are a myriad of hurdles standing in the way of re-development, none of which are JAM’s fault. The Uptown Theatre is an incredible building with a multitude of factors working against it.
Hi Bobby. I suspect you’re right about JAM expecting government assistance from a combination of city, state, or federal programs. I also suspect, though I have nothing to back it up, that JAM wanted the Uptown to keep other players, such as Livent, from getting a major foothold in the Uptown neighborhood. A restored Uptown Theatre could divert some shows away from JAM’s Aragon Ballroom and Riviera Theatre, which would threaten their viability.
No doubt JAM has tax deductible expenses associated with the Uptown, but it doesn’t make sense to keep a property like this just to have deductible expenses. It’s better not to have the expense in the first place. I have questioned JAM’s intentions with the Uptown since they won the bid to purchase the theatre in 2008.
I am curious what your source is for the $5 million price tag? My understanding is that the cost was around $1.5 million, though I don’t know if that included the adjoining storefronts that were part of the project.
The Alabama Theatre was influenced by art deco designs? I’m not seeing that. And the Chicago Theatre was certainly not an example of art deco. The art deco style had not yet emerged at the time of the Chicago’s opening in 1921. And who was “May” West?
Norman, I believe I attended a show at the Ambassador in the mid 1970s. My memory of it is vague, as I attended many shows back then in various theatres. However, judging by the pictures I’ve seen, I would say that the lobby and foyer areas of the theatre were standard Rapp & Rapp; nice, but not much in the way of originality. The auditorium was another matter, however. That was obviously a beautiful work of art, and the silver leaf must have been something to see. Such a shame the theatre was destroyed, but then, it’s hard to imagine that a theatre in that location would be well attended today. I guess it’s possible that it could have been a catalyst for an entertainment district down there, but I don’t think it would have worked.
Norman, I live in the St Louis area and agree with your point. However, I would say that the Fox Theatre is much more ornate than the Peabody. The Peabody is nice, but is more restrained in its ornamentation.
I have uploaded a Marbro picture. Almost identical to the postcard view I uploaded previously. No doubt was taken at the same time using the same camera set up.
Right. It’s the Goldblatt’s site, not the store, which is long gone. I loved that place, especially the candy counter and the toy department.
There wasn’t any plan that included the return of the Keith’s to some sort of theater use, correct? The best case was that the lobby would be retained in the new development. At least that’s my recollection.
The first picture is the Tennessee Theatre (still open) in Knoxville, TN. The third picture shows the Fisher Theatre in Detroit, prior to its “renovation” in 1961.
Agreed. Looks like a real gem. Wish there was more information and photos. The auditorium, what we can see of it, is stunning! Can’t believe they let this one get away.
So do any remnants of this theatre still exist? In particular, is the auditorium still there?
So this property could be picked up for about $30K? I wonder how much it needs in repairs?
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Z-shaped lot. Sounds like a challenge for an architect.
David, I believe you’re correct about JAM being the only one at the sale. However, at the time I was thinking that their interest was really in controlling the property, rather than spearheading a renovation. I am probably wrong about that, but it is curious nothing has happened with the theatre since. I realize there are a myriad of hurdles standing in the way of re-development, none of which are JAM’s fault. The Uptown Theatre is an incredible building with a multitude of factors working against it.
Hi Bobby. I suspect you’re right about JAM expecting government assistance from a combination of city, state, or federal programs. I also suspect, though I have nothing to back it up, that JAM wanted the Uptown to keep other players, such as Livent, from getting a major foothold in the Uptown neighborhood. A restored Uptown Theatre could divert some shows away from JAM’s Aragon Ballroom and Riviera Theatre, which would threaten their viability.
No doubt JAM has tax deductible expenses associated with the Uptown, but it doesn’t make sense to keep a property like this just to have deductible expenses. It’s better not to have the expense in the first place. I have questioned JAM’s intentions with the Uptown since they won the bid to purchase the theatre in 2008.
I am curious what your source is for the $5 million price tag? My understanding is that the cost was around $1.5 million, though I don’t know if that included the adjoining storefronts that were part of the project.
I thought the RKO International 70 was the Palace Theatre on 6th Street?
What an odd auditorium. Don’t recall ever seeing boxes running along the front of a balcony. Interesting design. Too bad it didn’t survive the 1960s.
The Alabama Theatre was influenced by art deco designs? I’m not seeing that. And the Chicago Theatre was certainly not an example of art deco. The art deco style had not yet emerged at the time of the Chicago’s opening in 1921. And who was “May” West?
Beware – post above by kitsravi is spam.
Looks like a downtown full of parking lots. Lovely.
The Pinterest photo, which is the same as the one uploaded here, is from 1924.
Hopefully they changed the sign to “Gov Scott Walker starring in How to Prevail Over the Big Government Freedom-Hating Union-Loving Lefties.”
I remember when this theatre burned down. But can’t recall for sure if it had already closed. Seems like it was still operating when it caught fire.
I wish I had ventured inside the Granada. Drove by it a number of times but never stopped to see a movie. The facade was indeed impressive.
Norman, I believe I attended a show at the Ambassador in the mid 1970s. My memory of it is vague, as I attended many shows back then in various theatres. However, judging by the pictures I’ve seen, I would say that the lobby and foyer areas of the theatre were standard Rapp & Rapp; nice, but not much in the way of originality. The auditorium was another matter, however. That was obviously a beautiful work of art, and the silver leaf must have been something to see. Such a shame the theatre was destroyed, but then, it’s hard to imagine that a theatre in that location would be well attended today. I guess it’s possible that it could have been a catalyst for an entertainment district down there, but I don’t think it would have worked.
Norman, I live in the St Louis area and agree with your point. However, I would say that the Fox Theatre is much more ornate than the Peabody. The Peabody is nice, but is more restrained in its ornamentation.
Yes, these lights can change color. I don’t know how many colors can be projected, but purple is not the only option.
I have uploaded a Marbro picture. Almost identical to the postcard view I uploaded previously. No doubt was taken at the same time using the same camera set up.
I notice that the main entrance to the strip mall at the SE corner of Pulaski and Madison has the word “PARADISE” in large letters above the doors.