Center Theater
407 Main Street,
Little Rock,
AR
72201
407 Main Street,
Little Rock,
AR
72201
1 person
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So sad. Saw lots of good movies, there. The first one I remember is ‘Zulu’, with Stanley Baker, and Michael Caine, in 1964, when I was 9. Also saw ‘Patton’, there, in ‘70, 'Big Jake’, in ‘71, and 'The Exorcist’ in ‘73, and many, many others.
I am fairly certain it is completely gone now.
The google street view shows the Center Theatre is still standing. Boarded up but still standing.
The last time I passed by the Center in May 2009, the theater was still there. The buildings immediately across the street had just been demolished and might have been confused for the Center. During my formative years in the 60’s, I saw a number of Elvis and Disney movies there; they also played the Bond films there.
Opened as the Royal Theatre in 1920, became the Center Theatre in 1950. Was operated by Rowley United until it closed as a movie theatre in 1975.
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.
A Reuter organ was installed in a Royal Theater in Little Rock in 1920. Maybe it was this theater.
When the Center Theatre opened it was known as the Royal Theatre.
Here is a 1954 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/qnooaj
It is kind of silly isn’t it.
Another 1985 photo is here.
how silly is that?
Being on the register doesn’t prevent the owner from doing whatever they want as long as no federal money is involved.
How did it get demolished if it is on the national register of historic places?
It has been demolished.
1985 photo of the Center Theatre.
View link
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?
Unfortunately, colder hearts are prevailing. A demolition permit has been issued for the Center. Apparently part of another attempt to “revitalize” downtown Little Rock.
Nothing else warms my heart as posting like Andy T’s does!
Good luck on this project.
Don…
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.
A 1994 view of the Center Theater in Little Rock.
Here is a photo of the 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