Colcord Airdome
15 N. Robinson Avenue,
Oklahoma City,
OK
73102
15 N. Robinson Avenue,
Oklahoma City,
OK
73102
3 people
favorited this theater
Henry Overholser chose the twenty-three story high Colcord Bulding as the location for his roof theatre because it was located right next door to his opera house. The Colcord Airdome was the highest, classiest, and coolest theatre in Oklahoma City, decorated in flower covered lattice-work, potted palms, festive lanterns, and a gracefull stage.
Everything was designed to put patrons in a party mood. A fine nine piece orchestra and the Colcord Sextet, who sang songs requested by audience members, were the main drawing card, but headline vaudeville acts were also included on the entertainment bill, along with first run motion pictures to top off the show. After the movie ended everyone stayed for rooftop dancing.
Even though the Colcord Airdome had a steep admission charge it sold out nightly. The Colcord Airdome was open every summer from May 10, 1913 through 1919. It seems mechanical air conditioning put an end to the popularity of airdome theatres. Remnants of this former rooftop theatre can still be seen atop the Colcord Building.
Contributed by
Royce
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Recent comments (view all 9 comments)
Architect William A. Wells also designed the Lyric Theatre, Robinson & First, Okla. City.
Don’t know where Royce came up with that “twenty-three-story” number, but in this this vintage postcard view can be seen the Colcord Airdome atop the thirteen-story white structure. Left of the Colcord can be seen the Overholser Opera House, and photo center can be seen the Folly Theatre with its stud lighted, arched entryway.
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Come 1920 the Rialto Theatre would be built this side of the Baum Bldg.
Fine architectural detail can be viewed on this site, type in word ‘colcord,
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To see W.A. Wells non-theatre designs, on site just above this post type in word “architectural” or ‘drawing’, then search.
Interesting, I had never heard about this theater until now, and I thought I knew a lot about OKC highrises. Learn something new every day… Another bit of trivia about the Colcord is that its odd “L” shape is because it was designed to have a second wing to the west. Obviously, this was never built. I think the 23 floors reference may be because the building had the structural strength to add more floors. I am not sure if they were ever planned, though.
This photo shows that the Colcord Airdrome lobby still stands atop the old Colcord Bldg,
http://www.roadsideoklahoma.com/node/557
The Colcord Airdome sat atop Colcord Building, the Warner Theatre was to the left, and the Cooper Cinerama was behind the Colcord Bldg.
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Colcord Airdome Theatre lobby can be seen 14 floors up
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map of downtown
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This opened on May 10th, 1913. Grand opening ad posted.