Capitol Theatre
1308 Niagara Street,
Niagara Falls,
NY
14303
1308 Niagara Street,
Niagara Falls,
NY
14303
3 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 50 comments
In an article found the archives of the Niagara Falls Gazette a projectionist named Richard Tiles died in a fire at the theater in 1949. Apparently he was rewinding a film when it burst into flame.
It was reported in the Buffalo News that in 1952 at age 22 Hank Williams Sr. appeared at the Capitol Theater. Sixty years later Time/Life called the promoter Rambling Lou Scriver to let him know that the tape recording that he had made of the concert was being released on CD. This was one of only two live recordings of Williams known to exist.
CDs didn’t exist in 1952, nor did Time/Warner as a corporate entity. Perhaps there was an LP album in 1952, with much later reissue in other formats.
Theater remains boarded up.
This theatre is featured in the book The Italians of Niagara, Vol. II.
I’m with Niagara Falls Historic Preservation. Would you be willing to offer a tour to our members to generate some positive buzz? We could post pics and info on our website. Tried to view yours, but couldn’t find it.
It is coming along. Some kids broke some windows and they are beig repaired. Stay tuned for renovations kicking in Spring 2015.
From the broken windows, I’m guessing no.
Did anything ever happen with the restoration and reopening of this theatre? It doesn’t seem to be active.
Lots of new construction will be starting around March 2014. Website is and has been current. www.capitolthetre.net
Get in touch with me this Summer. I will be ready to launch a grand reopening and discuss matters then.
We are going to be running a music venue. The theatre will also be available once completed — to rent out if you have an interest in holding your own shows or events there — on certain nights not conflicting with the music venue.
Website no longer active, seen drawings very impressive, still interested in creating 1st film/theatre venue.
Owner please contact me regarding status so we can work together.
Thanks
website is active and has always been since Capitol Theatre was purchased.
www.capitoltheatre.net or www.capitoltheatre.info
under renovations, will be open in either January 2014 or Spring 2014.
yes, we are already in progress. you can see www.capitoltheatre.info
This is an extremely ambitious project. Do you have more details? Links to other articles? Is financing in place?
Capitol theatre in Niagara Falls, is being renovated and is set to reopen in Spring of 2013. The architect plans are viewable at www.giusiana.com, and in early December 2012, the new website www.capitoltheatre.net is expected to be launched.
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.
Property is listed For Sale on CraigsList today. Contact for info.
The website that was posted on the theater building is no longer operational.
Drove by on ¾/2009 – still there, vacant and with for sale signs.
Theatre is for sale.
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.
Patsy:It doesn’t look that way. Renovation has stopped since Mr. McNab’s passing.
LOUB: Has anyone taken over this theatre since the sad passing of John McNab?
View link
The above website deals with the opening of the Capitol in 1926.
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.