Lafayette Theater

600 N. Main Street,
Lafayette, IN 47901

Unfavorite 6 people favorited this theater

Related Websites

Lafayette Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Fourth Avenue Amusement Co., Goodrich Quality Theaters

Architects: Joseph W. Holman, Thomas Marr

Firms: Marr & Holman

Functions: Banquet Hall, Concerts, Live Performances, Special Events

Styles: Art Deco

Nearby Theaters

News About This Theater

Lafayette Theater

Built on the site of the Family Theatre (it has its own page on Cinema Treasures). The Fourth Avenue Amusement Company opened the Lafayette Theater on September 1, 1938 with Errol Flynn in “Four’s a Crowd”. It operated until September 1, 1990. It then became a downtown empty eyesore.

A complete historical renovation went ahead in 2003-2006 and a restaurant/bar, classic movie theater re-opened from what could have well become a parking lot. It has now dropped movies and operates as a live performance/concerts and special events venue.

Contributed by William Brown

Recent comments (view all 9 comments)

Jayne2
Jayne2 on November 29, 2004 at 12:49 pm

I think I may have gone to this theater once when on vacation in Indiana when I was a teenager. We saw Friday the 13th #3 in 3D. It was a very old theater. There was a candy store nearby. All old downtown types of shops in the area, but beginning to become empty storefronts at that time. Does anyone know if this is the same theater I’m referring to?

lexam121212
lexam121212 on January 14, 2005 at 6:41 pm

The Lafayette Theater and the Mars were both in downtown Lafayette about a block or so apart. Across from the Lafayette theater was/is the McCord Candy store. The Lafayette sits on a corner and is just a bit smaller than the old Mars (now the Long Center for the Performing Arts).

BenRoss
BenRoss on August 17, 2005 at 6:39 am

The Lafayette Theatre was built on the site of the old Family Theater, which had been a 1906 remodeling of First Presbyterian Church (built 1853). In 1938 the Family was torn down except for the rear of the stage house (built 1906). The new steel-frame Lafayette Theatre, designed by Louisville architects Marr & Holman was built in only a few months.

The Lafayette Theatre is currently being renovated for use as a dinner theatre and live entertainment venue. Restoration of interior and exterior details and repair of damage from 10+ years of abandonment are in progress at this time. It has some great Art Deco interior spaces and the building is gradually regaining its shiny Art Deco newness again.
I have photographs of the theatre’s renovation and more historical information on my website: View link

JPVideo
JPVideo on August 17, 2006 at 10:43 am

The Lafayette Theater has completed it’s renovations. It is not “Jake and Roxies”. It is the “Lafayette Theater”. Renovations were completed by group of investors known as New York LLC. Visit there web site for more information about the theater.

http://www.lafayettetheater.com

Broan
Broan on October 1, 2007 at 12:29 am

Recent photos of this theatre are HERE

Trolleyguy
Trolleyguy on April 12, 2016 at 12:32 pm

Website: http://lafayettetheater.com/ No movies listed to be shown.

rivest266
rivest266 on March 15, 2017 at 5:12 pm

This opened on September 1st, 1938. Grand opening ad in the photo section and below

Found on Newspapers.com powered by Newspapers.com

You must login before making a comment.

New Comment

Subscribe Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.