Strand Theatre

dallasmovietheaters on February 15, 2026 at 6:41 am

You can leave the Bryan Krefft contribution as is above. A deeper dive appears to show this address was the former site of Newman’s Theatre - likely the Crystal. But the original site of the Strand was over at the J.F. Walton-built, multi-use building opening on November 25, 1915. Monier & Grubb opened the original Strand Theatre which launched with vaudeville on Thanksgiving and seated 600 in the Walton Block.

In 1919, the Strand was taken over by Carl C. Newman of Newman’s Theatre undoubtedly the Crystal prior. He had come from Charlotte, Michigan’s Arcade Theatre owned by Charlotte Newman until her death shortly after childbirth in 1917. Newman operated what became Newman’s Theatre as well as the Strand with the Strand switching to full-time movies. As the Strand was reaching the expiry of its 10-year lease, the movie house had proved to be a major hit.

Newman decided to demolish the 1912-built, 333-seat venue. With plans drawn up by architect Ernest S. Batterson, it would become the site of the larger, 1,000-seat New Strand Theatre. Contractor Frank L. Shoemaker delivered the venue on time. Newman added sound to remain viable. The former Strand location at the Walton Block became a long-running JC Penney Store. There were formal discussions with Butterfield in 1925 likely explaining how Newman had the vision and wherewithal to make such a bold play.

The New Strand would add sound to remain viable - again likely with Butterfield bankrolling the cost of the effort. Newman finally announced a formal JOA with Butterfield Theatrical Syndicate at the 10-year mark in 1935 with Butterfield Circuit soon taking it over and dropping “New” from its moniker.

Butterfield switched the Strand to widescreen projection to remain viable. They would move on from the venue but the Strand proved to be a mainstay operating for 100 years in this location and 110 combining its previous iteration. The Strand closed on December 31, 2025 with “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,” and Anaconda. It was listed for sale on a realtor’s website.

That appears to be a cleaner timeline though leaves a few gaps, as well.