Yes, I also remember The Falls ending at the movie theater in the early 80s. I attended UM until ‘85, and saw many films there. I also often visited the original Banana Republic, when it still sold jungle-themed clothing/items.
It was still operating in 1986, as I took my younger sister to see “The Great Mouse Detective.” We sat in the smaller of the twins, and it was the definitely the most minuscule theater I have ever stepped foot in, before or since. Probably 100 seats. Ten rows, five seats on either side of the aisle.
All of the ads are from the 1971 grand opening. Was it definitely twinned in late 1979? Originally, was it self-standing, or was the back end always attached to the mall? The original mall (only one level) opened in March of 1971. It was originally called “The Miracle Mall Shopping Center,” opening with a Sears, Kroger, Britt’s, etc.
The pandemic temporarily put the brakes on restoration, but Hunt is apparently back at it. He’s hoping to create a live music venue, and eventually have a rooftop bar.
jw is correct, that Military street number is not the address of the former drive-in. Just compare Google Maps to the historical aerial view map posted with the photographs. Sam’s is north of where the theater existed.
6602 Blanco Road would be the proper address. It was on Rector and Blanco. Rector was absorbed into the big box center, once Central Park Mall was demolished.
The building is STILL there, and will soon be part of a new Alamo museum. For several years it has been a Guinness World Record Museum. Picture attached.
The two films in the photograph came out in 1983. They obviously misspelled “Scarface.” That theater was split in the late 70s or early 80s. Building twins (two NEW theaters together) was huge in the 60s, but SPLITTING an existing auditorium in two gained steam in the mid-70s, especially in small towns/cities. I attached another photo, showing how I believe they split the existing theater.
Is that Dr. Evil poster really from 1963? I ask, because I thought the theater was built later than that. Also, I guess it wasn’t originally a twin? It’s twin theaters were really small, so even prior to splitting, it would have been a small venue. I also see what looks like a “G” rating in the lower left. The rating system wasn’t created until late 1968. May 10, 1968 fell on a Friday, but the rating system wasn’t utilized till months later. May 10, 1974?
That theater definitely had a late 60s/early 70s vibe. Dr. Evil’s shows did run from around 1959 until the early 80s(?).
Wow, thanks for posting this. I’ll never forget watching “2001: A Space Odyssey” at my San Remo Apartment (now demolished), and rushing to this nearby theater to watch “2010: The Year We Make Contact” in 1984 - with minutes to spare. was a UM student, and went there often.
If you go to Google satellite, and zoom in on the shopping center, you can tell where the twins formed an “L” shape. The adjacent, small business to the left (currently a style salon in 2021) was added after the theater was built. Parkway Plaza is now the name of the “shopping center,” which started as a self-standing A&P Grocery, probably in the 50s.
The actual address for this former theater is approximately 947/949 Volunteer Parkway. The strip center is still there. Even the movie poster holders are on the wall! I have attached some photos. When it was built, it was as an addition to a former A&P Grocery Store. I went to one movie there, and the twins were tiny.
A Belk Department Store (Women) now stands on the site, although it was built as a now defunct Proffitt’s Department Store. I have included a photo of the current site.
Yes, I also remember The Falls ending at the movie theater in the early 80s. I attended UM until ‘85, and saw many films there. I also often visited the original Banana Republic, when it still sold jungle-themed clothing/items.
It was still operating in 1986, as I took my younger sister to see “The Great Mouse Detective.” We sat in the smaller of the twins, and it was the definitely the most minuscule theater I have ever stepped foot in, before or since. Probably 100 seats. Ten rows, five seats on either side of the aisle.
The Amigo Mexican Restaurant is an old Wendy’s, opened in the early 80s.
All of the ads are from the 1971 grand opening. Was it definitely twinned in late 1979? Originally, was it self-standing, or was the back end always attached to the mall? The original mall (only one level) opened in March of 1971. It was originally called “The Miracle Mall Shopping Center,” opening with a Sears, Kroger, Britt’s, etc.
The pandemic temporarily put the brakes on restoration, but Hunt is apparently back at it. He’s hoping to create a live music venue, and eventually have a rooftop bar.
Demolished when the I-10/I-37 interchange was built.
Sorry to see it closed. Caught “West Side Story” there in December, but there were only five people in that auditorium. They served strong margaritas.
jw is correct, that Military street number is not the address of the former drive-in. Just compare Google Maps to the historical aerial view map posted with the photographs. Sam’s is north of where the theater existed.
In the place of Dillard’s, there are various stores/restaurants within the old building, which was “shelled out” almost ten years ago.
6602 Blanco Road would be the proper address. It was on Rector and Blanco. Rector was absorbed into the big box center, once Central Park Mall was demolished.
As mentioned, the theater was engulfed by the mall, but the building form is still clearly visible in the photograph I have added.
The site now holds a Dave & Buster’s Restaurant. Picture added.
The building is STILL there, and will soon be part of a new Alamo museum. For several years it has been a Guinness World Record Museum. Picture attached.
113 South Mill Avenue is now a law office (2021). I have added a photo.
116 South Main Avenue is the “yellow” (2021) building in the center. I am assuming that was the theater?
Joe, it appears that you are correct. I added two pics. And you can see the stage house.
Building is currently a law office (2021). In the 70s/80s, it was a women’s dress store.
The two films in the photograph came out in 1983. They obviously misspelled “Scarface.” That theater was split in the late 70s or early 80s. Building twins (two NEW theaters together) was huge in the 60s, but SPLITTING an existing auditorium in two gained steam in the mid-70s, especially in small towns/cities. I attached another photo, showing how I believe they split the existing theater.
Is that Dr. Evil poster really from 1963? I ask, because I thought the theater was built later than that. Also, I guess it wasn’t originally a twin? It’s twin theaters were really small, so even prior to splitting, it would have been a small venue. I also see what looks like a “G” rating in the lower left. The rating system wasn’t created until late 1968. May 10, 1968 fell on a Friday, but the rating system wasn’t utilized till months later. May 10, 1974?
That theater definitely had a late 60s/early 70s vibe. Dr. Evil’s shows did run from around 1959 until the early 80s(?).
Wow, thanks for posting this. I’ll never forget watching “2001: A Space Odyssey” at my San Remo Apartment (now demolished), and rushing to this nearby theater to watch “2010: The Year We Make Contact” in 1984 - with minutes to spare. was a UM student, and went there often.
Sorry, left side of complex.
If you go to Google satellite, and zoom in on the shopping center, you can tell where the twins formed an “L” shape. The adjacent, small business to the left (currently a style salon in 2021) was added after the theater was built. Parkway Plaza is now the name of the “shopping center,” which started as a self-standing A&P Grocery, probably in the 50s.
The actual address for this former theater is approximately 947/949 Volunteer Parkway. The strip center is still there. Even the movie poster holders are on the wall! I have attached some photos. When it was built, it was as an addition to a former A&P Grocery Store. I went to one movie there, and the twins were tiny.
Overhead shot of the former drive-in property has been added.
A Belk Department Store (Women) now stands on the site, although it was built as a now defunct Proffitt’s Department Store. I have included a photo of the current site.