Dixwell Theatre

here's the pic at http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=21829
can someone tell me what style this is? i now work in an office building in danbury with that as the facade.

I found a 1967 photo that shows the former Dixwell Theater being used as a bowling alley called "Family Bowl" so the theater was closed by at least 1967. The caption under the photo calls the style "Art Deco". Its the second photo from the top.
http://www.trainweb.org/crocon/CanalLine/CanalLine9.html

I would say the style is 60/40 art moderne/art deco. The curved windows and terrazzo-type stucco tell me this was probably built in the late 1930s. I lived in Hamden in 1983, and drove by this theater many times, but to my knowledge it had been closed for many years prior to that. For anyone who might be interested in this particular style of architecture, there is a strikingly similar building (Ezzo Building) in nearby Meriden, CT, directly across the street from where the Capitol Theater once stood on Grove Street.

yes. i mentioned it because our office building at 241 Main Street in Danbury has the same facade on the top floor (2nd floor). The bottom is storefronts.

When I lived in New Haven from '80 to '82 I used to go to a $1.00 theatre in Hamden all the time. It was mostly second run stuff, but occasionally they would open a film hear. I remember being blown away when I caught Louis Malle's Atlantic City. I think the theatre was on a road that ran paralell to Dixwell. I would drive down Dixwell Avenue through a dingy part of New Haven and Hamden then would take a left coming from New Haven. This theatre was right next to a nice, neighborhood bar we would adjourn to after the film. I forget the name of this place, but have fond memories.

Was it the Whitney Cinema at http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=19026 which is now condos and retail?

It sounds like it was. Thanx! I have many good memories of this place. And that $1.00 admission fee really hit the spot.

When I lived in New Haven I remember a first-run multi-plex on Dixwell Avenue. I never went, but one distinguishing aspect of the shopping center it was situated in was an asphalt sculpture of a car or several cars parked in a parking lot. There was a disco right across the street.

Does anyone know who owns the theater?

First off the theater with the asphalt cars buried was in the Plaza across from Daniells (THe Disco)I think it was just a Hamden Theater. Not sure though. Secondly, in reference to the Dixwell Playhouse my parents own it. I will be glad to answer any questions. The building and corner is for sale. The marquee was rotted and taken down in the early 80's and the 'whats playing' windows are covered up with wood from the outside. There are two staircases to go upstairs on either side of the front of the building. Two restrooms on either side of front as well. The stage area is still there. All wood. I can find out more if you like. Just ask.

thanks dina,
is there a MLS# listing for the dixwell playhouse listing?

no not at the moment. I am actually waiting for the specs so I can post the listing on the internet. It was listed years ago by Beasley.

May I ask why have you/they decided to sell? And where your parents owners of the property when it was in operation?

They are at retirement time and the property should change hands to someone who will re-open it as a theater or use the property for a commercial venue of some sort.

My direct email about the property is: dina@andythomas.com

I have found another picture in the book Silent Screens of the building. It was taken in 1975 and there is a close up of the art deco front and the marquee is still up as well. The original stage area is in tact and has the original clamshell ceiling still there above the it.

The theatre building is for sale on eBay at http://cgi.ebay.com/Dixwell-Theater-Connecticut-Commercial-Building_W0QQitemZ4396655446QQcategoryZ15825QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The theatre located in the shopping plaza in Hamden was called the Cinemart. It had a huge mural of an aquarium on the sie of the building. Hand painted, it took months to complete. The shopping center called the Hamden Mart, also had a "Ghost parking lot". it had old cars, half buried in the asphalt. It was directly across the street from the infamous Disco called, Daniels. I used to work there. The theatre, Cars, and Disco, have all been sadly demolished.

The Strand theatre was located on Dixwell Ave. I worked there too. It was situated near Putnam Ave. It too was sadly demolished so that Putnam ave could be literally "moved" over a few feet. One of the unique facts about the Strand, is that for a brief time in the early 80's it actually had live plays. One was Man From La Moncha. I worked there when the Blues Brothers was in theatres until about 1983. It was indeed a 99 cent theatre.

The theatre on Whitney Ave. in Hamden was called the Whitney theatre. It actually had a second floor with a bar where you could order light snacks and cocktails. Vey unique at the time. It was demolished and replaced with condo's and office space. Oddly enough, my wife works for a dentist on that exact spot.

The Dixwell Playhouse is one of the last pieces of history on Dixwell ave. It seems like any building over 30 years old is bing demolished and replaced on Dixwell Ave. It's very sad. I remember walking by the theatre all the time and mainly seeing some sort of carpet warehouse/retail in it. My mom lives a couple of blocks south of it.

As you can tell, I love this stuff about the history of these theatres. I wish I had pictures. Or, could at least find some.

If I had the money I would buy it and try to ignite arts for people in the area. perhaps yale or southern CT could have done some plays.

If the owner gets this message please contact me to discuss the future of this possible catalyst for a community in need of something positive and different.

Trekz - how does one get in touch with you?

If anyone is wanting current pictures of the building let me know. The top of the clamshell stage area is still in tact as well as stage, restrooms and projector room.

Please send them to this page. Or better yet, create a link if possible.

mazecreek,

I can be reached at cooltrekz@yahoo.com The building is a beatiful and has limitless possibilities for the people and this community but is out of my price range.

I lived in New Haven from 1969 to 1973, and, at one time during that period, probably 1970, I remember attending a movie at a theater on Dixwell Avenue. I could never remember whether it was the "Dixwell " or "The Strand". Now, thanks to LOST MEMORY and DJHARRYG, I can finally determind it was THE STRAND! Thanks-even the smallest bit of info can be important to someone!

Here is the Putnam photo that was mentioned in a prior comment:
http://tinyurl.com/37q7mn

Here is a photo of the mattress store or factory aka the former Dixwell Playhouse.