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Also known as Cinema West

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Austin Theater

Austin, TX

2130 Congress Avenue South

, Austin, TX 78704 United States

(map)

Status:	Closed
Screens:	Single Screen
Style:	Unknown

Function:	Office Space
Seats:	713
Chain:	Unknown

Architect:	Unknown
Firm:	Unknown

The Austin Theater opened in 1939, and was the home of first run movies until the 1970's. By the mid-1970's, however, the theater and the surrounding area deteriorated and the Austin was eventually closed.

In 1977, the theater was sold to a new owner who turned it into an adult movie theater. With the new format, the theater's name was changed to Cinema West and it continued to show XXX-rated movies until it finally closed in 1998, amid deep complaints from residents.

The property was then sold to a new group who plans to turn the theater into office space to meet increased demand from local high-tech companies.

Contributed by Ross Melnick

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I am currently researching this theater and have learned that it has housed a few business after Cinema West (XXX) was closed down. A business communications company (FPI) was the last to occupy the building, but has recently vacated. As of 10/24/02, the building is empty and the property is up for sale.

posted by Ian Umlauf on Oct 24, 2002 at 5:43am

The Houston-based architectural duo Mackie and Kamrath designed the theater in 1938 in a (probably "regional") Art Deco style.

posted by Ian Umlauf on Mar 21, 2003 at 2:30pm

The Austin Theatre was located 2130 S. Congress and it seated 713 people.

posted by William on Dec 15, 2003 at 5:46pm

Is it still for sale and who could I contact about it? Thanks

posted by lauren on Jan 16, 2004 at 12:40pm

C.S.A. Realty Group in Austin (8305 Shoal Creek Blvd.) is overseeing the property. A gentleman by the name of Juan Creixell should be able to answer any questions you might have. I met with him in July (when the property was still available), and he was very helpful and knowledgable in terms of the history of the theater. His office number is (512)453-6566. I'm not sure, however, if the building is still vacant and up for sale.

posted by Ian Umlauf on Feb 2, 2004 at 5:59pm

Does anyone know of an outdoor theater in Austin, Texas?

posted by slynn on Mar 19, 2004 at 11:54am

If you are speaking of Drive In theatres, Austin had its fair share.
The Burnett Drive In on Burnett Rd., The Chief Drive In, The Drive in Theatre on Dallas Highway N., The Fiesta Drive In, The Rebel Drive In, Showtown USA Twin on Cameron, Southside Twin on Ben White.
There may have been more but these are the ones I have listed in my data.

posted by Chuck1231 on Apr 8, 2004 at 9:07am

Anyone have any idea what corporation initially commissioned Mackie and Kamrath to construct the theater? Are M&K's records housed anywhere in Houston?
thanks!

posted by Laura_McGuire on Oct 15, 2004 at 4:19pm

Do any of you know if these old drive-in theaters are still for sale?

posted by GypsyInt on Oct 23, 2004 at 4:23pm

Some vintage photos of the Austin, Lobby, Auditorium and exterior.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/Chuck1231/Texas%20Theatres/AustinTheatreAKACinemaWestAuditoriu.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/Chuck1231/Texas%20Theatres/AustinTheatreAKACinemaWestAustinTx.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/Chuck1231/Texas%20Theatres/AustinTheatreAustinTx.jpg

posted by Chuck1231 on Sep 4, 2005 at 1:18pm

The date given for this photo is November 23, 1950. The Year given for this photo is also 1950.

posted by Lost Memory on May 14, 2008 at 5:37pm

What is the status of the Texas Theatre today?

posted by Patsy on Sep 12, 2009 at 10:04am

If you change the address above to 2130 Congress Avenue South, Google will show you a building with a marquee that might be this former theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Sep 12, 2009 at 11:28am

LM, same building just a different marquee frm the 1950 photo you posted. Also did you notice the Walgreens Drug Store next door in the 1950 photo? It is gone on the google link. What is it with drug stores and theatres, seems like there was always one next door or the theatre was demolished to build a drug store or a drug store went in a former theatre. From the marquee on google it looks like they have live shows there,.

posted by Chuck1231 on Sep 12, 2009 at 9:51pm

The two photos dated 1950 are NOT the Austin Theater. The first is the State Theater, its currently owned by The Paramount & State Theater Company http://www.austintheatre.org The Walgreens next door to the State Theater moved to a less costly location, but the building is still there on the corner.

The second photo is the Texas Theater in Palestine TX, not Austin.

The Austin Theater located at 2130 S Congress Ave, Austin Texas is currently owned according to tax records by Austin Music Partners LLC.

posted by JamesLTX on Sep 13, 2009 at 6:37pm

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