Regent Theatre
133 Crescent Street NW,
Grand Rapids,
MI
49503
133 Crescent Street NW,
Grand Rapids,
MI
49503
2 people
favorited this theater
Showing 5 comments
Final shows at the RKO Regent Theatre were held September 29, 1964 at end of lease with “The Hustler” and “Blue Denim.” Leonard VanderMate was on duty on opening night and was still working the booth on September 29, 1964. Good effort!
The city took on the property as part of urban renewal. They were able to salvage the Robert Morton organ - once played by Hazel “Bird” McGahey in its silent years - prior to the Regent’s demolition in 1966 and its extensive art collection. Houting & Meeusen Wrecking Company of Holland reportedly did a good job of salvaging useful items including the 16-lane bowling alley above the theater.
Grand opening ad posted. Listings ended in 1964.
Opened 10 August 1923.
The Grand Rapids History web site provides this page about the Regent Theatre. This theater was designed in the Italian Renaissance style by architect C. Howard Crane.
Here is a 1923 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/yvaxsf