Englert Theatre
221 East Washington Street,
Iowa City,
IA
52240
221 East Washington Street,
Iowa City,
IA
52240
2 people
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The Englert Theatre was rebuilt in 1926 after the original theater, which was constructed in 1912, was destroyed by fire.
After being closed for several years, the Englert is now in the process of being renovated and restored.
Contributed by
Paul Salley
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Recent comments (view all 28 comments)
Dear Jacobsen,
Thanks for the comments and the list. I would like to converse further. I have a few early theatres that are not in your list including Madison, WI, Des Moines, Iowa, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Quincy, Illinois and a few others that I know existed but haven’t been able to find out about yet. Please email me at the address below.
Thanks!
Paul
Here is a 1940 photo of the Englert Theater with additional information. “Balalaika” with Nelson Eddy and Ilona Massey is the then current attraction on the marquee.
http://www.shorpy.com/node/2177?size=_original
Additional information can be found here.
Here’s an article confirming that the Englert was designed by Rapp and Rapp.
Iowa City Daily Press
January 30, 1912 p. 8
$55,000 THEATRE MAY BE ERECTED
“Iowa City’s new opera house my cost, complete, and ready for opening for the season of 1912-1913, in the neighborhood of $55,000. W. H. Enlgert, the owner, is to leave for Chicago in the morning, and he will there inspect the plans, designed by Rapp & Rapp, the architects. The Rapps telegraphed Mr. Englert to come today. He will find the plans, they say, completed in pencil, and he will approve them, or suggest changes, before they are transferred to blue prints. With the latter action, the time for calling on contractors to prepare the bids will be at hand. The contract will be duly let, and the work of building the new theatre will be begun as soon as possible, the coming spring. The building in its entirety, will occupy 63 by 150 feet, and the theatre, proper, will be 80 by 62. A lobby in the center will lead to the playhouse while stores will be on either side. The building will be three stories high. Details as to the material, pressed brick, stone, etc. will be decided later. The first floor will be devoted to the theatre and store rooms, the second to offices, and the third to living apartments. The building will occupy the present site of the Graham barn. The playhouse will seat between 1,000 and 1,100 people, and the best class of plays in the country, it is hoped will be secured. Everything will be made thoroughly modern, in the way of seating equipment; scenery; acoustics; etc.; and the patrons of the house are likely to get the highest class of dramatic attractions presented in splendid shape, under most alluring conditions.”
The Englert Theater can be seen in this recent photo. Status should be Open and function is Live Performances.
Here is the Englert marquee at night.
This is a 2009 photo.
1982 daytime photo of the Englert Theatre.
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1983 Nighttime photo of the Englert Theatre.
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I believe the header should be changed to Open. According to their web site they have programs scheduled. Both movies nad live shows.
Here is another photo:
http://tinyurl.com/yebuldy