Wells Theater
110 East Tazewell Street,
Norfolk,
VA
23514
110 East Tazewell Street,
Norfolk,
VA
23514
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The Wells Theater was opened on August 26, 1913 by Jake and Otto Wells. The theater enjoyed early success with live stage performances. In 1916, a movie screen was installed, and by the beginning of World War II, burleseque had joined the repertoire. In the 1960’s, the Wells became an X-rated movie house.
A decade later, The Virginia Stage Company moved into the Wells Theatre in 1979 and, in 1986, completed a $3.5 million restoration, resulting in this the theater’s designation as a National Historic Landmark.
Contributed by
Brett England
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Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
That’s what we like to read “completed a $3.5 million restoration, resulting in this theater’s designation as a National Historic Landmark.” The photo shows a beautiful facade and thank goodness the x-rated movie house era ended for this theater!
Downtown Norfolk is a pretty decent place with so many old bldgs and the big mall right across from this theater.Where else can you shop at Nordstroms,go on a real battleship,take a harbor cruise,a broadway play and then go up the street a little to a great club in another old theater in one day?
Marquee/front doors:
http://www.pbase.com/image/34997378
I went to the Wells in 1960 or 1961 and saw King Kong. It had lots of empty seats and was apparently used at that time by the homosexual community as a pick up spot.
Does anyone know whatever happened to the old Kimball Theatre Pipe Organ from 1919??
I went to the Wells Theatre in 1959 or 1960. Saw a western double feature, Bob Hope western? It was a grand old Palace on hard times. Sat in the balcony. I was 11 or 12 years old and didn’t notice any unusual behavior, if I saw any I didn’t know to notice.
This is a recent photo of the Wells Theater and here is another.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980
Wells Theatre ** (added 1980 – Building – #80004312)
Tazewell St. and Monticello Ave., Norfolk (Independent City)
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event
Architect, builder, or engineer: E.C. Horn & Sons
Architectural Style: Beaux Arts
Area of Significance: Performing Arts, Architecture
Period of Significance: 1900-1924
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Recreation And Culture, Work In Progress
Current Sub-function: Theater
Here is a 2007 photo of the Wells Theater.
This is the National Register of Historic Places nomination form for the Wells Theater and here is an interior photo that belongs with that form.