Shea's Roosevelt Theatre
887 Broadway,
Buffalo,
NY
14212
887 Broadway,
Buffalo,
NY
14212
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Loew's Inc., Shea Theatres
Architects: Henry L. Spann, William T. Spann
Styles: Adam
Previous Names: Roosevelt Theatre
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Opened on April 16, 1927 with Douglas MacLean in “Let it Rain”, the Roosevelt Theatre was one of the largest theatres in Buffalo, located on Broadway. It was equipped with a 4 manual 18 ranks Marr & Colton organ which was opened by organist Tim Crawford. The Shea chain took over half interest in 1930, and it was remodeled. In 1949, Loew’s Inc. gained control when the Shea chain was broken up.
Weekends-only operation began in 1960, and the theatre closed in 1962. George Rosing was the manager for the whole period.
In the late-1950’s, the theatre’s Marr & Colton organ, which had cost $37,000 and had not been used since the 1930’s, was reactivated and concerts were given in the last years. The building still stood in 2019, vacant and ‘For Sale’ for redevelopment. It had been demolished by October 2020.
Contributed by
Alan lapp
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Recent comments (view all 10 comments)
Alan, thanks for posting this theater, but do you have any additional information on its present condition? This is a huge theater and it’s amazing that it wouldn’t have been posted until now. Do you know if any of its original interior or exterior ornamentation remains. Thanks!
In regards to LuisV inquiry. Unfortunately the theater was torn down shortly after closing.
It was brick structure with terra cotta facade, designed by Henry and William Spahn. The
interior was Adams Style. There was no balcony, and plaques of Teddy Roosevelt were
in the waiting area.
Phone number 1960: CLeveland 4900
Wow another one time Loews house.
The Marr & Colton organ still exists and is in playable condition in private hands.
Current article in Buffalo News states that it is the home of an Amherst resident. It is operational. The owner is looking to donate it.
This article deals with the theater’s organ.
I agree from street view it appears to still be standing. Advertised as a development site with the facade covered over the years. Circa 1967 photo added, Shea’s Roosevelt vertical sign far left.
Opened on April 16th, 1927. Grand opening ad posted.
Demolished by October 2020.