Webster Theatre

Joe Vogel on February 5, 2012 at 10:41 am

The Webster Theatre originally had seating all on one floor. About 1919, a balcony was added. The expansion led to a demand from the city fire commissioner for increased fire protection, and architect Harry T. Howell filed an appeal with the Board of Appeals on behalf of the owners, Wardwin Realty Company, on January 16, 1920. The minutes of the meeting at which the appeal was granted include this description of the theater:

“…the building is fireproof, one story and balcony in height, 57 ft. 6 in. by 150 ft. in area, occupied as a theatre for moving pictures with 881 seats in the first story and 287 seats in the balcony, a total of 1,168 seats….”

From Google Street View, it looks like the upper portion of the building that contained the balcony has been demolished.

Warren G. Harris on September 12, 2004 at 9:37 pm

The photo suggests that the interior was gutted for the parking garage. Is there anything left of the original decor?