Polk Theatre
121 S. Florida Avenue,
Lakeland,
FL
33801
121 S. Florida Avenue,
Lakeland,
FL
33801
5 people
favorited this theater
Built in 1927 by architect James E. Casale, the Polk Theatre has a mezzanine, a high balcony, a permanent backdrop of a "Venetian piazza," an orchestral pit, high twinkling stars, a cloud-covered ceiling, and an exquisite terrazo floor. The air-conditioning system (the first in the county in the 1920’s) was a pump that used artesian well water to chill the building.
The Polk Theatre opened on December 22, 1928 with Pauline Frederick in “On Trial”.
Today, the 1,400-seat theatre is used for live performances as well as movies.
Contributed by
Cathy Cook
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Recent comments (view all 55 comments)
WUSF’s Florida Matters broadcast on Historic Preservation includes a feature on the Polk Theatre. Here’s the link:
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After viewing an 1988 exterior photo this theatre has come a long way! Congratulations.
Complete restoration was completed in 1999.
spectrum: Music to my ears when reading “complete restoration was completed”. Congratulations!!!
The new marquees etc. are just fantastic compared to how this theatre’s exterior looked in 1988. Complete transformation!
In fact, the entire building was transformed with the lovely addition of awnings, etc. I wish more downtowns made use of storefront awnings rather than see them turned into a rusty place for bird’s nests.
Having recently toured this theatre it is a must-see! I learned after speaking with one of the sresident organist that the organ was originally in a Canton Ohio theatre.
Nice write-up with pictures:
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Here is the theater in July 2010.
I’ve visited this theatre and it is a must-see when in Lakeland FL.