Information in this posting, and my previous posting, comes from the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. The Indiana Theatre was the first in the state to adopt stereo sound, Panavision, 3-D Projection, closed-circuit TV, and Cinerama. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Built in 1927 by the same firm that constructed the Circle Theater (the other “movie palace” in Indianapolis) the Indiana was designed in the Spanish baroque style by local architectural firm RUBUSH AND HUNTER. The exterior terra cotta and marble facade was designed by sculptor Alexander Sangernebo, with interior details by Joseph Wollenberg. The entrance lobby features travertine marble and a Rookwood tile fountain (and was recently restored to its 1927 condition.) Originally, the Indiana contained the 3,200 seat auditorium, a luncheonette, soda fountain, bowling alley in the basement (now offices), and candy, tobacco, and barber shops. The most stunning feature is the sixth floor Indiana Roof Ballroom, which was restored in 1986 after a $6 million renovation. Designed to resemble an oval-shaped Spanish town, the Indiana Roof is used frequently for conventions, concerts, and dances (www.indianaroof.com) The Indiana Theatre closed in 1975 (shortly after I saw the film “1776” there) and it could have faced the wrecking ball if not for the effort to both save the building and create a permanent home for the Indiana Repertory Theatre. While a two-year renovation did split the massive theatre into three stages (Mainstage, Upper Stage, and Cabaret), the complex is a vital and living theatre complex today thanks to the renovation. I respectfully disagree with Mr. Lauter’s comment. Had she been left as a 3,200 seat theatre, she never would have survived.
Information in this posting, and my previous posting, comes from the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. The Indiana Theatre was the first in the state to adopt stereo sound, Panavision, 3-D Projection, closed-circuit TV, and Cinerama. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Built in 1927 by the same firm that constructed the Circle Theater (the other “movie palace” in Indianapolis) the Indiana was designed in the Spanish baroque style by local architectural firm RUBUSH AND HUNTER. The exterior terra cotta and marble facade was designed by sculptor Alexander Sangernebo, with interior details by Joseph Wollenberg. The entrance lobby features travertine marble and a Rookwood tile fountain (and was recently restored to its 1927 condition.) Originally, the Indiana contained the 3,200 seat auditorium, a luncheonette, soda fountain, bowling alley in the basement (now offices), and candy, tobacco, and barber shops. The most stunning feature is the sixth floor Indiana Roof Ballroom, which was restored in 1986 after a $6 million renovation. Designed to resemble an oval-shaped Spanish town, the Indiana Roof is used frequently for conventions, concerts, and dances (www.indianaroof.com) The Indiana Theatre closed in 1975 (shortly after I saw the film “1776” there) and it could have faced the wrecking ball if not for the effort to both save the building and create a permanent home for the Indiana Repertory Theatre. While a two-year renovation did split the massive theatre into three stages (Mainstage, Upper Stage, and Cabaret), the complex is a vital and living theatre complex today thanks to the renovation. I respectfully disagree with Mr. Lauter’s comment. Had she been left as a 3,200 seat theatre, she never would have survived.