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jamesf
jamesf commented about Cinema Quartier Latin on Sep 30, 2006 at 5:02 pm

The facade of the theatre remains virtually unchanged. It features a large bas-releif poured concrete sculpture in a vaguely haida style that has been appropriated into the brutalist vernacular of the building. The entry vestibule preserves the terrazo floors, which feature steel fleur de lys insets. The original massive oak ticket booth remains, and the poured concrete details in the stairwell remain unpainted and original, as do the solid oak handrails, and the suspended oak ceiling treatment.

The original tile decoration in the stairwell was (unfortunately, and under protest) removed in 2000 to make way for a new coatcheck, and the rest of the theatre has undergone extensive modifications including new walls, and the leveling of the floor. The condition of the space when the club began construction necessitated the majority of this work. The bathrooms have been renovated, and the original candy counter has been removed.

Wherever possible, a genuine attempt was made by the original management to preseve the character of the theatre, and its brutalist style elements, which recall the work of Louis Kahn. Cosmetic details such as carpet, fiberglass furnishings and lighting have been removed and replaced, although in many instances the original structure exists buried under paint and other structures. Oak details removed from the main space have been re-used as benches in the club.

Stereo is currently open to the public, and continues to use the space and preserve the theatre, and many of its characteristics.