Huish PACE Center
98 W. Utah Avenue,
Payson,
UT
84651
98 W. Utah Avenue,
Payson,
UT
84651
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Additional Info
Architects: Fred L. Markham
Functions: Performing Arts
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Previous Names: Huish Theater
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The Huish Theater in Payson, Utah was opened on April 16, 1949, by the David Huish family. The original seating capacity was for 810, all on a single floor.
Paul Mower bought the 600-seat theater in 1985 and refused to show R-rated movies or open on Sundays.
Since he was the only theater in town he was able to cherry pick the family films and reject many others.
However, when an all-THX stadium-seating theater opened nearby, Mower was unable to book such 2001 blockbusters as "Monsters, Inc.," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone," and "Lord of the Rings."
Mower decided against adding additional screens to compete because it would limit his ability to reject R-rated films.
He then sold the Huish to Jimmy and Phillip DeGraffenried of Santaquin, who have tentative plans to open a gym in the former movie house.
The 54-year-old theater showed its last film on January 31, 2002 and became a gymnasium. By 2021 it was operating as a performing arts and cultural education center.
Contributed by
Grant Smith
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
The Huish Theatre opened on April 16th. 1949 and the architect was Fred L. Markham, W.Rowe Smith, Associate. They also designed the Huish Theatre (1946) in Richfield, Utah.
Looks like it now hosts live theater.
Boxoffice, May 7, 1949: “Huish-Gilhool Theatre Enterprises opened their 810-seat Huish Theatre with city officials and film executives on hand for the affair. The new showcase is in a building with three other rental units, which are expected to be occupied in the near future. Although a modernistic atmosphere predominates in the design of the structure, a rustic touch is lent through the use of sandstone and the redwood finish. One of the most striking features is an 18-foot long mural in the inner foyer. It is a painted blown-up picture of Payson City and the surrounding valley taken from Payson summit. The boxoffice is at the side of the double glass-like entrance doors. The foyer contains a snack bar finished in redwood. Advertising frames in the inner foyer contrast with the modern motif, presenting a beveled appearance of old-fashioned picture frames. Even temperatures throughout the building are assured by the ventilating and heating system, and the air wash device further aids in keeping drafts and cross-currents down. The main auditorium occupies one entire floor with the manager’s office and a cry room on the second floor. The Huish, built as a memorial to the late Charles M. Huish, has been under construction for two years. Fred L. Markham of Provo was the architect. He was assisted by Rove Smith. Vincent A. Gilhool is the general manager in charge of the circuit house. The Huish is managed by Gene Braithwaite.”