Hardacre Theatre
112 E. 5th Street,
Tipton,
IA
52772
112 E. 5th Street,
Tipton,
IA
52772
2 people
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Here is an item from the July 10, 1915 issue of The American Contractor: “Tipton, Ia.- Opera House, Odd Fellows' Hall & Store Bldg. (2 stores): 55x142. Archt. B. W. Gartside, 526 Lane bldg., Davenport, Ia. Owner Hardacre Estate, J. W. Moore, trustee, Tipton. Bids were received until noon, July 10.” Architect Benjamin W. Gartside had at least one NRHP listed building in Davenport, a library and newspaper office, but it was de-listed after being demolished a few years ago.
The April 15, 1916 Moving Picture World had this item about the house: “TIPTON, IA.-Ralph E. Kent has leased the new Hardacre Opera House and the opening is scheduled to take place on or about April 10. The house will be devoted to road shows and photoplays. Building and equipment modern in every particular; stage 22 by 46 feet; seating capacity 600; steam heat; electric lights, etc.”
When I visited in 2010, the interior was a bit rough. The seats were very shabby, and had been repaired with duct tape, and the ceiling had obvious water damage. The owner/manager was nice enough to let me take some pictures of the inside, without having to sit through a Chipmunks movie.
The Hardacre Theatre has been closed since 2013. It’s undergoing a total restoration/renovation which if goes according to plans take 2 years to complete and cost an estimated 2.2 million. The theatre building consists of two second floor apartments and 2 storefronts. The two apartments have been remodeled and are rented. Renovations for the theatre indicate one of the storefronts will be incorporated to the theatre as an enlarged refreshment stand. The theatre has a balcony and will have recliners when renovations are completed. Thanks for the tour.
Kudos to a local preservation group that has provided the funds to enable this nearly century-old little gem to move into the age of digital projection: View article
THIS THEATER NOW ONLY SHOWS FIRST RUN MOVIES.