Cascade Theatre

The site of the Cascade Theatre was on what was originally Gordon Street near the juncture of Cascade Road, just outside the West End business district. The Cascade would have been basically within walking distance of the Gordon Theatre on Gordon Street, and not that far from the West End Theatre on Lee Street. The proximity of those theaters gives a pretty good idea of the health of movie exhibition in the Atlanta area in the years before television had such an impact on the business.

When I checked the street address in 2003, the lot where the Cascade Theatre would have stood was empty. Unfortunately, I don't know when it was demolished. Hopefully, someone who lived in the West End area in those years will be able to give us more details.

The actual street address is 1348 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd and the building is still in place. Here is a photo of it from April 2007

The Cascade Theatre was located according to the newspaper article of the opening at 1346 Gordon Street and was designed by Robert and Company Architects of Atlanta for Lucus and Jenkins and opened in late MAy of 1935. The photos and blue prints (Somehow I came across the electrical and plumbing prints for the theatre as well as the specifications for same)I have of the theatre do not resemble the photograph posted by Jack Coursey. However that is not to say that it is incorrect, I plan a trip this weekend and see what I can find out.

Thanks for the update. Look forward to your findings. This is about the third address I have come across for the theatre (the other two being 1349 and 1346). Is it possible to you could post your archive photos of the theatre on flickr or a comparable site and include a shortcut here in Cinema Treasures?

Jack as soon as I can get a good scan I will see what I can do. Meanwhile I have made a number of postings on many of the pre WW2 Atlanta theatres as to their opening dates and other information. Also check out my recent posting of Atlanta's large downtown movie theatres, the Capitol, The Roxy, the Paramount. These posting will direct you to another site for those theatres. Let me know what you think.

Really appreciate your research and input. Although I frequent the Atlanta area a couple of times a year, I have yet to have a chance to spend a couple of hours in the main library researching these landmarks. I would love to see photos of the Cascade, the Sylvan, etc. taken during their years of operation.

Jack the photo you posted for the Cascade is not the theatre, it is the old fire station. After looking at the plumbing blue prints of the theatre it shows that the sewer line is to be connected to the line running down White Street which is directly behind the theatre.
Were the theatre was is now a park of some sort. at the Junction of Ralph DAvid Abernathy Blvd (Gordon) and White Street. this is about 100 yds heading back on Abernathy toward Lee Street.

That is heading back on Abernathy toward Lee Street from the Fire house.

Dang and I was so hopeful. Thanks for checking it out. Well, I might just as well put me meager plot at Westview on the market and look for a final resting place with a better view.

To whom it may concern,

My name is Robert Napier. I am doing a documentary about Atlanta theaters. I am in search of locating an abandoned theatre and using the documentary as a catalyst to support renovations to the existing theatre. We are also looking for Atlanta locals who are between the ages of 40 & 70 who have exciting stories about their cinema experience at the time. For more information, please visit

http://segregatedseats.ning.com/

or e-mail me at themexsays@aim.com