Jacob J. (Jack) Liebenberg was born in Milwaukee to German-Jewish parents in 1893. He attended the University of Minnesota and was part of the first graduating class in the School of Architecture (1916). After receiving a McKim fellowship, he then studied at Harvard University where he was awarded the Prix de Rome, a scholarship for promising architectural students. After service in the Air Force, Liebenberg returned to Minnesota and taught at the University for a year before forming an architectural partnership with a student, Seeman Kaplan. Kaplan, who later became Liebenberg’s brother-in-law, focused on the business aspects and engineering details while Liebenberg was in charge of design.
The architecture firm of Libenberg and Kaplan maintained a full general practice, designing a variety of homes, hospitals, commercial and industrial buildings, churches, and synagogues, but it was their designs for theaters that gave them wide acclaim. During their careers, they designed over 200 theaters throughout the Midwest. In the Twin Cities alone, Liebenberg and Kaplan were responsible for the Granada (Suburban World, 1927-28), the Wayzata (1932), the Edina (1934), the Hollywood (1935), the Uptown (1937), the Varsity (1938), and others no longer standing. Other noteworthy commissions include Adath Jeshurun Synagogue (1927) and Beth El Synagogue (1926, razed 1995).
Over their long careers, Liebenberg and Kaplan designed within a somewhat transitional architectural period. Their theaters were a showcase of a combination of eclectic elements of the 1920s and the newer Streamlined and Zigzag Deco motifs of the 1930s.
“When the Hollywood Theater opened on October 26, 1935, the marquee pronounced it “The Incomparable Showcase of the Northwest.†Built during the peak of the Art Deco period, with a budget that allowed for generous use of decorative elements, the Hollywood is an excellent example of the Deco style and the trend to small, yet elegant, neighborhood theaters. Architects Liebenberg and Kaplan, famous for their Minneapolis theater designs, used a coordinated color scheme and intricate detailing to design the Hollywood, a theater some have called “the most original and daring scheme for their time.â€1 All public interior spaces are designated for their zig-zag Deco style with streamline accents. The exterior, with the exception of the marquee, is designated. The Hollywood Theater, aside from its masterful depiction of Art Deco architecture, is significant as a remnant of a pattern of theater/entertainment growth that took place in the United States between 1920 and 1939.”
In this theatre’s heyday, it had a beautiful marquee and one that vertically said HOLLYWOOD! BTW, how did this theatre get that name in MN? After looking at the photos that Sean posted on May 7, 2004 I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful art moderne/art deco streamline designed theatre! What happened over the years that this theatre would become stripped and neglected?
ariane: The “northeastbeat.com” site is very good. And when you visit the other CT Hollywood site you’ll see that I posted your August 3 at 11:28 comments there, too to help spread the word even further.
ariane: Also wanted to ask you about an HGTV show that I think is filmed in Minneapolis…Design on a Dime. The host frequents a local Minneapolis antique shop on many of the shows that uses and finds new ways to use “trash to treasure” items.
I was just driving by the Hollywood theater and thinking about how it could be used as a non-profit community/youth arts center. I can see that a number of ventures are apparently underway, but would very much like to see what could be done to support a non-profit arts venture in conjunction with that which is already occurring. I’m an art teacher in Columbia Heights and would love to know what my students and I could do to support this idea. I would also be willing to write some grants (i.e. State Arts Board) or form a committee of local arts organization/art teachers to get the ball rolling. Let me know what I can do.
ariane: If you haven’t already, please post your comments of August 3, 2007 on the CT link below as well. And Sean Ryan’s May 7, 2004 post has some wonderful comparison interior and exterior photos that really put this theater’s past and present into better focus.
ariane: Nice to read your “of interest” post and hope that you are able to offer your expertise. BTW, did you take the 35W bridge from time to time in the Minneapolis area?
atmos: I would like to see some of the 31 photos. I have never read or heard that the Butler Theatre was the Harris Theatre though it could very well be true. Where the Harris Theatre is listed does it also give the name Butler Theatre?
Yeah, the status should be changed though not sure how to make that important change. I surmise that many other theatre stats should be change as well.
Lost Memory: The July 25th photo is most interesting as you can see theatre seats on the sidewalk so perhaps they were having a fundraiser to benefit the theatre and possibly new theatre seats.
Yes, it is “a shame that no venues for such exist in Nashville”, Music City USA! Many probably didn’t appreciate the name Eberson the, but they do now…a little late though!
Bob Wasserman: Your memories of by-gone theatres in Toledo were wonder to read yet bittersweet when I read your use of the words, “opulence” and “red velvet ropes”! Even as a child of 6 or 7 you were impressed and recall your time spent there with your stepmother. I’m sure there are many other Toledo residents or former residents who recall this theatre as you do.
Great post and even greater news about the Latonia interest you have stirred among so many and the best news is that original Latonia items are COMING HOME THANKS TO THE KIND SOULS WHO ENSURED THEIR RETURN. Keep up the wonderful work that you are doing. My hat is off to you!
Lost Memory: I don’t know how you do it, but you always come through for me and I truly appreciate it every single time! These photos of a long ago Paramount Theatre in Toledo OH are sadly all that remains of a Rapp & Rapp atmospheric theatre which is such a shame and beyond reason why and how that city would demolish a theatre has palatial as that one! Lord have mercy!
Jacob J. (Jack) Liebenberg was born in Milwaukee to German-Jewish parents in 1893. He attended the University of Minnesota and was part of the first graduating class in the School of Architecture (1916). After receiving a McKim fellowship, he then studied at Harvard University where he was awarded the Prix de Rome, a scholarship for promising architectural students. After service in the Air Force, Liebenberg returned to Minnesota and taught at the University for a year before forming an architectural partnership with a student, Seeman Kaplan. Kaplan, who later became Liebenberg’s brother-in-law, focused on the business aspects and engineering details while Liebenberg was in charge of design.
The architecture firm of Libenberg and Kaplan maintained a full general practice, designing a variety of homes, hospitals, commercial and industrial buildings, churches, and synagogues, but it was their designs for theaters that gave them wide acclaim. During their careers, they designed over 200 theaters throughout the Midwest. In the Twin Cities alone, Liebenberg and Kaplan were responsible for the Granada (Suburban World, 1927-28), the Wayzata (1932), the Edina (1934), the Hollywood (1935), the Uptown (1937), the Varsity (1938), and others no longer standing. Other noteworthy commissions include Adath Jeshurun Synagogue (1927) and Beth El Synagogue (1926, razed 1995).
Over their long careers, Liebenberg and Kaplan designed within a somewhat transitional architectural period. Their theaters were a showcase of a combination of eclectic elements of the 1920s and the newer Streamlined and Zigzag Deco motifs of the 1930s.
“When the Hollywood Theater opened on October 26, 1935, the marquee pronounced it “The Incomparable Showcase of the Northwest.†Built during the peak of the Art Deco period, with a budget that allowed for generous use of decorative elements, the Hollywood is an excellent example of the Deco style and the trend to small, yet elegant, neighborhood theaters. Architects Liebenberg and Kaplan, famous for their Minneapolis theater designs, used a coordinated color scheme and intricate detailing to design the Hollywood, a theater some have called “the most original and daring scheme for their time.â€1 All public interior spaces are designated for their zig-zag Deco style with streamline accents. The exterior, with the exception of the marquee, is designated. The Hollywood Theater, aside from its masterful depiction of Art Deco architecture, is significant as a remnant of a pattern of theater/entertainment growth that took place in the United States between 1920 and 1939.”
In this theatre’s heyday, it had a beautiful marquee and one that vertically said HOLLYWOOD! BTW, how did this theatre get that name in MN? After looking at the photos that Sean posted on May 7, 2004 I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful art moderne/art deco streamline designed theatre! What happened over the years that this theatre would become stripped and neglected?
Go to http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/12387.html and you’ll see more photos of this theatre in its present state.
ariane: The “northeastbeat.com” site is very good. And when you visit the other CT Hollywood site you’ll see that I posted your August 3 at 11:28 comments there, too to help spread the word even further.
ariane: Also wanted to ask you about an HGTV show that I think is filmed in Minneapolis…Design on a Dime. The host frequents a local Minneapolis antique shop on many of the shows that uses and finds new ways to use “trash to treasure” items.
I was just driving by the Hollywood theater and thinking about how it could be used as a non-profit community/youth arts center. I can see that a number of ventures are apparently underway, but would very much like to see what could be done to support a non-profit arts venture in conjunction with that which is already occurring. I’m an art teacher in Columbia Heights and would love to know what my students and I could do to support this idea. I would also be willing to write some grants (i.e. State Arts Board) or form a committee of local arts organization/art teachers to get the ball rolling. Let me know what I can do.
Ariane
posted by ariane on Aug 3, 2007 at 11:28am
ariane: If you haven’t already, please post your comments of August 3, 2007 on the CT link below as well. And Sean Ryan’s May 7, 2004 post has some wonderful comparison interior and exterior photos that really put this theater’s past and present into better focus.
http://cinematreasures.org/news/11373_0_1_10_C/
ariane: Nice to read your “of interest” post and hope that you are able to offer your expertise. BTW, did you take the 35W bridge from time to time in the Minneapolis area?
tntim: For another parking lot! What a “Grand” idea!
Neat photo with a great looking marquee!
atmos: I would like to see some of the 31 photos. I have never read or heard that the Butler Theatre was the Harris Theatre though it could very well be true. Where the Harris Theatre is listed does it also give the name Butler Theatre?
DavidStear: Do you know of a former Harris Theatre that was in Butler PA?
atmos: Can one access this Eberson archives, online?
This 2007 photo looks like things are improving at the Auburn. If anyone knows the latest, please post!
Yeah, the status should be changed though not sure how to make that important change. I surmise that many other theatre stats should be change as well.
I hope not the latter!
Lost Memory: Your Jun 14th photo says it was a seat auction held on June 11.
Lost Memory: The July 25th photo is most interesting as you can see theatre seats on the sidewalk so perhaps they were having a fundraiser to benefit the theatre and possibly new theatre seats.
Great postcard photo! Thanks!
And yes, oh yes, “it’s good to know that this architectural gem has been preserved”….and NOT destroyed like the Paramount in Nashville.
Yes, it is “a shame that no venues for such exist in Nashville”, Music City USA! Many probably didn’t appreciate the name Eberson the, but they do now…a little late though!
Bob Wasserman: Your memories of by-gone theatres in Toledo were wonder to read yet bittersweet when I read your use of the words, “opulence” and “red velvet ropes”! Even as a child of 6 or 7 you were impressed and recall your time spent there with your stepmother. I’m sure there are many other Toledo residents or former residents who recall this theatre as you do.
Great post and even greater news about the Latonia interest you have stirred among so many and the best news is that original Latonia items are COMING HOME THANKS TO THE KIND SOULS WHO ENSURED THEIR RETURN. Keep up the wonderful work that you are doing. My hat is off to you!
Lost Memory: I don’t know how you do it, but you always come through for me and I truly appreciate it every single time! These photos of a long ago Paramount Theatre in Toledo OH are sadly all that remains of a Rapp & Rapp atmospheric theatre which is such a shame and beyond reason why and how that city would demolish a theatre has palatial as that one! Lord have mercy!