Mini-Cinema 16

401 Brady Street,
Davenport, IA 52801

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Delta Z Corp.

Functions: Housing

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Mini-Cinema 16, Davenport, IA

The Forrest Block is one of downtown Davenport’s survivors. The 1877 building’s architect was Frederick George Clausen. Though Clausen had designed some of the Quad Cities earliest entertainment places including the Turner Grand Opera House, the Garden Theatre, and the Family Theatre, he was long gone when downtown Davenport began a descent in the 1970’s that included the departure of many longstanding businesses and the increase of less-desirable businesses. The Mini-Cinema 16 was one such addition when it opened as an adult movie theatre.

In 1971, Delta Z Corp. and Henry Sparks got approval to place the Mini-Cinema 16 in the venerable Forrest Block on a ten year lease. Films including “Debbie Does Dallas” brought in the crowds. It ended with “Champagne for Breakfast” and “In Sarah’s Eyes” at the end of August in 1982.

The Forrest Block would gain historical protection but would sit empty for more than ten years before being converted to residential use as the city’s downtown launched a comeback.

Contributed by dallasmovietheaters

Recent comments (view all 2 comments)

davidcoppock
davidcoppock on October 31, 2017 at 11:26 am

Why the 16 in the name of the cinema(it’s one screen, not 16).

Trolleyguy
Trolleyguy on October 31, 2017 at 7:08 pm

The 16 in the name refers to the 16mm film format of most porn films back then.

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