Fairmont Theater
416 Adams Street,
Fairmont,
WV
26554
416 Adams Street,
Fairmont,
WV
26554
1 person
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corp.
Architects: Victor A. Rigaumont
Styles: Streamline Moderne
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News About This Theater
- Jan 26, 2010 — Fairmont's days may be numbered
The Fairmont Theater opened on July 25, 1946. It was a replacement for the original Fairmont Theatre on the same site, which had been destroyed by fire on February 9, 1945. (it has its own page on Cinema Treasures). Like its predecessor, the Fairmont Theater was operated by Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corp. Seating was provided in orchestra and balcony levels.
In September 1973 it was converted into a triple screen cinema, it was closed in late-2007. The building was demolished in September 2012.
Contributed by
Lost Memory, Ken Roe
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Recent comments (view all 19 comments)
I was in this building today, via a friend who was able to obtain the key. In less than 4 years, things have really gone downhill.
The drop-ceiling is collapsing and water is dripping everywhere. It is a mess. The drop-ceiling collapse has revealed a hidden vintage mural (jungle-themed and beautiful.)
(continued next comment)
Anyway, the clock is ticking on this building and it will be demolished soon. I talked to some people and if ANYONE out there is interested in salvaging anything from this theatre, inside or outside, including the Vitrolite and marquee, PLEASE contact the Marion County, WV county commission ASAP, as they may be open to salvage possibilities.
Here is a web page that is mostly about the original Fairmont Theatre. It says that the house opened on June 4, 1923, and was destroyed by fire in February, 1945. The architect of the original Fairmont Theatre was Fred W. Elliot, of Columbus, Ohio.
The rebuilt Fairmont was opened on July 18, 1946.
I just came across a new “Save the Fairmont” Facebook page. The Fairmont was acquired by the county and is expected to be demolished to make way for a new building. It seems that others are trying to save the marquee and doors, via a petition, also posted on the page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Fairmont-Theater/348178051888181
Is this theater still around? I am in the process of buying and rehabbing the Philippi Grand and if it proves profitable I want to work on reopening other theaters in WV, KY, OH, PA, MD, and VA. There are so many wonderful old theaters with more character than any modern cookie cutter places.
Demolition on the theater began Wednesday, September 26 for a $25 million state office building.
Here are some interior photos shortly before its demolition.
The September 10, 1973, issue of Boxoffice noted the conversion of the Fairmont Theatre into a triplex. Two of the auditoriums were in operation, and the third was expected to open in October.
The March 3, 1923, issue of The Moving Picture World had this item about the original Fairmont Theatre:
Updated link to interior photos taken shortly before demolition: http://travelogue.darkpassage.com/show/fairmont/