Center Theater

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003

Center Theater (added 2003 - Building - #03000422)
Also known as PU0207
407 Main St., Little rock
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Ginocchio, Frank, Cromwell, Edwin, B.
Architectural Style: Moderne
Area of Significance: Architecture
Period of Significance: 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Vacant/Not In Use

Here is a photo of the Center Theater.

A 1994 view of the Center Theater in Little Rock.

There has been some consideration of incorporating the Center into a fine arts block that would include at least two new venues for the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. The local investor who owns the Center has a terrific reputation for projects that maintain their historic integrity. He also has a reputation for playing his cards close to his chest until a "real" project can be announced, complete with funding and a timeline. There is realistic hope here.

Nothing else warms my heart as posting like Andy T's does!
Good luck on this project.

Don...

Unfortunately, colder hearts are prevailing. A demolition permit has been issued for the Center. Apparently part of another attempt to "revitalize" downtown Little Rock.

What's the deal with a demolition permit if the property is listed on the Nation Registry of Historic Places. How did they get around that?

1985 photo of the Center Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c4%2c3%2c-1&catpageindex=16&ProductID=23425

It has been demolished.

How did it get demolished if it is on the national register of historic places?

Being on the register doesn't prevent the owner from doing whatever they want as long as no federal money is involved.

how silly is that?

It is kind of silly isn't it.

Another 1985 photo is here.

Here is a 1954 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/qnooaj

When the Center Theatre opened it was known as the Royal Theatre.

A Reuter organ was installed in a Royal Theater in Little Rock in 1920. Maybe it was this theater.

LM, The article in the magazine said that it opened at the Royal and later in life aftr a remodel it became the Center, so I am assuming that the Royal is just an AKA for the Center. At the time of the magazine it said the Center was stil standing so that is not quite right by today's time factor. They also have two photos in the magazine of the auditorium, quite striking. Too bad they are in B&W.