Capitol Theatre
1308 Niagara Street,
Niagara Falls,
NY
14303
1308 Niagara Street,
Niagara Falls,
NY
14303
3 people
favorited this theater
The Capitol Theatre in Niagara Falls, New York was opened in 1926, originally seating 1400, with a balcony.
C.R. Phelps, of Niagara Falls, was the builder of the theatre.
By 1934, it was part of the Basil Brothers chain, having been remodeled with seating reduced to 950.
Converted from a movie house in the 1950s to Capitol Skateville. After a few incarnations as a skate park, the auditorium was last used as a warehouse.
Contributed by
John McNab
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Recent comments (view all 35 comments)
Council Chairman Robert Anderson Jr. opened the business meeting in recognition of planning board member John McNab, who passed away Wednesday morning at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. McNab also served on the city’s tourism advisory board and was active in other city issues.
The above article appeared in the Niagara Gazette and refers to a recent City Council meeting.
View link
The above website deals with the opening of the Capitol in 1926.
LOUB: Has anyone taken over this theatre since the sad passing of John McNab?
Patsy:It doesn’t look that way. Renovation has stopped since Mr. McNab’s passing.
So sorry to read this. Keep CT members posted on future developments. I had hoped to meet Mr. McNab this past summer, but never got that opportunity.
Theatre is for sale.
Drove by on ¾/2009 – still there, vacant and with for sale signs.
The website that was posted on the theater building is no longer operational.
Property is listed For Sale on CraigsList today. Contact for info.
First off, thank you for having this wonderful website.
Tim McNab will be coming up from NJ and we will be touring the Captiol the first week in Feburary. John is Tim’s late brother. Everyone is invited to attend. Further details will be posted.
I unsuccessfully tried to save the nearby MELODY FAIR theatre (one of the last ‘in the round’ venues) from distruction, and am now turning my efforts towards the CAPITOL theatre.
It is our desire to renovate this viable structure into the Worlds 1st. Holographic Vaudeville house; where virtual and live actors will perform together on stage, without the audience having to wear special polarized glasses. YET TO SAVE THIS THEATRE WE WILL NEED COMMUNITY SUPPORT. It’s hard enough to find investors in today’s economy, but possible because Niagara Falls has been a popular tourist attraction for well over 100 years.
Much work needs to be done; new electrical service, plumbing, carpentry, painting, besides bringing everything upto to local fire codes. We wish to purchase and tear down the adjoining, delapitated building, that is collapsing in, and create a parking lot next to this venue. A marquee from the parking lot into the 3 store fronts (converted into a musesum froyer) will welcome vistors. The old tatoo palor building will be made into the theatres prop and maintenance shop; a 20' wide x 60' deep stage will be installed along with new seating, 5.1 sound, and lighting.
We would like to have a grand opening by the summer of 2012…but NEED YOUR HELP. We are looking for old photos, investors, preservationist, radio and tv personalities, and the local community to become involved. Please contact me at:
digitaltheatrics@roadrunner..com
1-716-392-7988
Thanks.