Park Theater
2001 Photo from the Adam Martin collection.
|
|
1583 W Fort St Lincoln Park MI
|
| Record #13241 |
Opened: 1925
Closed: Yes (date unknown)
Current Use:
Demolished:
|
Capacity: 600 seats
Architect(s): C Howard Crane
Architectural Style(s):
National Register:
Current Organ: none |
Also Known As: Lincoln Park |
Built in 1925 by M.R. Levy, the 600-seat Park Theater was designed by prominent Detroit theater architect C. Howard Crane. It featured polychrome chandeliers, valour drapes and cork aisle floors to allow noiseless walking. A three manual pipe organ was supposed to be installed, but never was.
The theater was truly a part of the community. At the height of the depression, the manager issued free tickets at Christmas to whose residents who could not otherwise afford to attend a movie. During World War II, the theater was used as a campaign headquarters for war bond rallies.
The theater was, at some time, remodeled and the original vertical marquee and canopy were replaced with a porcelain enameled steel marquee.
In the mid-1970s, the Park turned to adult fare to make ends meet. This resulted in battles with city officials and lawsuits. To tone down its presence, the storefront windows have been filled and the Fort Street doors have been replaced with fire doors that open from the interior.
The auditorium was demolished in 2008 and the facade now advertises the apartments built on the site. Photos Photos remain the property of the Member and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Member. |
August 2001 photos from the Adam Martin collection.
 46 KB · 625x469 |
Return to the top of this page or Return to the main page
Last featured 2002-12-27. Last edited 4/11/2020.
|