Just acquired information that will correct that posted by Joe Vogel. Wilmot C. Douglas was the architect hired by Waters Theatre Co. to design and supervise th mid 40’s construction of the Collge Theatre which was located on the North side of First Avenue. It was located across the street from the existing East Lake Theater that was built in the late 20’s.
Actually this facility was built about 1947. The 1928 date would have been when the East Lake Theater was opened across the street. In 1947 Howard Collage was located around the corner and hence the name College Theater. When this facility was opened, the older, outdated East Lake Theater could not compete and was closed. It is now Estate Liquidators, LLC. After Howard College moved to Lakeshore Parkway in Homewood (Now Samford) the theater went through many changes, eventually becoming an adult theater in the early 70’s and it still operates as that today.
This location is now Estate Liquidators. From our research, we discovered that the original East Lake Theater was built in the late 20’s – early 30’s and remained in business until the mid 40’s when the bigger, newer theater (The College Theater) opened across the street and put them out of business. The facility was then converted into a skating rink where it operated through the 60’s and perhaps into the 70’s until it was converted into a furniture store (Fashion Dinnettes) in 1974. The property was sold two years ago and is now the home of Estate Liquidators, LLC. Although the property has undergone several major renovations over the years, there is still visable evidence of the original theater including the area to the backof the building where the rods an hooks for the screen and draperies remain. A visable angled line along the east and west masonry walls also indicate where the stadium seating was located. Not sure if the maple hardwoodwood floor was part of the theater or installed later for the skating rink, but most of it remains. Although much of the original maple hardwood floor was damaged due to neglect, a majority of it is being saved and restored. You history buffs should come take the tour.
Just acquired information that will correct that posted by Joe Vogel. Wilmot C. Douglas was the architect hired by Waters Theatre Co. to design and supervise th mid 40’s construction of the Collge Theatre which was located on the North side of First Avenue. It was located across the street from the existing East Lake Theater that was built in the late 20’s.
Actually this facility was built about 1947. The 1928 date would have been when the East Lake Theater was opened across the street. In 1947 Howard Collage was located around the corner and hence the name College Theater. When this facility was opened, the older, outdated East Lake Theater could not compete and was closed. It is now Estate Liquidators, LLC. After Howard College moved to Lakeshore Parkway in Homewood (Now Samford) the theater went through many changes, eventually becoming an adult theater in the early 70’s and it still operates as that today.
This location is now Estate Liquidators. From our research, we discovered that the original East Lake Theater was built in the late 20’s – early 30’s and remained in business until the mid 40’s when the bigger, newer theater (The College Theater) opened across the street and put them out of business. The facility was then converted into a skating rink where it operated through the 60’s and perhaps into the 70’s until it was converted into a furniture store (Fashion Dinnettes) in 1974. The property was sold two years ago and is now the home of Estate Liquidators, LLC. Although the property has undergone several major renovations over the years, there is still visable evidence of the original theater including the area to the backof the building where the rods an hooks for the screen and draperies remain. A visable angled line along the east and west masonry walls also indicate where the stadium seating was located. Not sure if the maple hardwoodwood floor was part of the theater or installed later for the skating rink, but most of it remains. Although much of the original maple hardwood floor was damaged due to neglect, a majority of it is being saved and restored. You history buffs should come take the tour.