333 Market Theatre
333 Market Street,
Philadelphia,
PA
19106
333 Market Street,
Philadelphia,
PA
19106
1 person
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The Market Street Theatre began as a conversion of an existing retail store vacated by Riegel Dry Goods Store. The new theatre space was designed by William Steele & Sons. It had a lengthy pass through arcade to get to the auditorium. The property was owned by Albania Whartenby and leased to the Motion Picture Company of America. By the time the venue opened in December of 1912. A neighboring Horn and Hardhart Automat was built and opened soon thereafter.
In 1919, the venue became the 333 Market Street Theatre for Stanley Theatres Circuit. That portfolio of theatre became Stanley Warner Circuit which, in 1935, shortened the venue’s moniker to the 333 Market Theatre. Warner closed as that name by Stanley Warner Theatre Circuit at the end of a leasing period on May 30, 1951 with Fred Astaire in “Royal Wedding.” The 333 Market Theatre was torn down to make way for a new parking structure that launched on November 11, 1951.
“Boxoffice Magazine — July 11, 1953 (page 41) Philadelphia — The premises, 333 Market St., site of the former 333 Theatre, were sold by the Stanley-Warner Management Corp. to L. M. Blitz for $90,000. Blitz leased the property to Fisch’s Parking Places for 15 years . . . ”
The site of the former theater (now demolished) is now a part of 399 Market Street, a five-story office building in Old City that was built in 1977.
If anyone has a photo or photos of the 333 Theatre, it would be appreciated if they could share. And also, in what style was the the theater designed?
Although closed, and sold, in 1953, we are not sure if the theater was demolished that year. If someone could answer that, that would also be appreciated. Thanks!
O.K.
Thanks, I didn’t notice the page says “Closed.” Of course, it should say Closed/Demolished. The theater building isn’t there anymore.
I read that item too, Howard. They mention the “former 333 Theater” and also a fifteen year lease to Fisch’s Parking Places. I don’t think this theatre exists anymore.
11 July 1953 Box Office says former 333 sold by Stanley Warner to a company that seemed, from its name, that it would use the lot for parking.