Corby Theatre
2805 N. 16th Street,
Omaha,
NE
68110
2805 N. 16th Street,
Omaha,
NE
68110
No one has favorited this theater yet
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Epstein's Theaters Corp.
Architects: James T. Allen
Functions: Storage
Styles: Moorish
Nearby Theaters
The Corby Theatre was opened on September 1, 1926 with George O'Brien in “Fig Leaves”. The seating capacity was listed at 600. The theatre closed on June 16, 1957 with Tony Curtis in “Mister Cory” & Ida Lupino in “Strange Intruder”. It was converted into a department store and is now in use for storage for a salvage business.
Contributed by
Chuck
Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.
Recent comments (view all 7 comments)
The building was not demolished; for years, until recently, it was a salvage bursiness – Norton and Sons. Remnants of the lobby were still in existence as was the stage and the sloping floor. The manager’s office, on the north end of the west (street) side has the original paneling and chandelier.
Chuck, I am a teacher from Omaha North High Magnet School, which is located near the Corby. My Civil Engineering and Architecture students are having problems finding information. If you can help it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
The January 7, 1926, issue of The Film Daily said that a new theater was to be built at 16th and Corby Streets in Omaha. The November 19, 1926, issue of the same publication said that Sam and Louis Epstein had purchased the recently-completed Corby Theatre from its builder, Alexander Beck. This item gave the location as 15th and Corby Streets. From Street View, it looks like the theater building occupies the entire block along Corby Street from 15th Avenue to 16th Street.
This PDF from the fall, 2008, issue of newsletter Landmark News has a small photo of the Corby Theatre which appears to have been taken in the 1930s. The building is little changed in appearance since then, but the satellite view shows that the roof is in poor condition. This building might still be saved, but if the roof has not yet been repaired it will have to be done soon.
Theatre has not been demolished. Was “heart-bombed” for 2015 Valentine’s Day by Restoration Exchange Omaha to bring attention to its plight. http://www.omaha.com/news/metro/historic-buildings-need-a-little-tlc-too-heart-bombing-group/article_93381680-075b-5cac-877c-87733fa102eb.html
This house must be the project mentioned in the December 12, 1925 issue of Exhibitors Trade Review:
the Corby theatre opened with “Fig Leaves” on September 1st, 1926. Grand opening ad posted.
Watch the movie below
The Moorish Revival-styled Corby Theatre initially closed at the end of its second 20-year lease on July 29, 1956 with “I Am Camera.” A new operator gave it another shot in February 3, 1957. But the competition from television was too great and the theater closed permanently on June 16, 1957 following a double-feature of “Mister Cory” with Tony Curtis" and Ida Lupino in “Strange Intruder.” The space was converted into a retail department store and is currently used for storage.