Capitol Theater Building

Capitol Theater Building
Location Arlington, Massachusetts
Coordinates 42°24′20″N 71°8′35″W / 42.40556°N 71.14306°WCoordinates: 42°24′20″N 71°8′35″W / 42.40556°N 71.14306°W
Built 1925
Architect Drummey,William J.
Architectural style Classical Revival
Governing body Private
MPS Arlington MRA
NRHP Reference #

85001025

[1]
Added to NRHP April 18, 1985

The Capitol Theater Building, built in 1925 by the Locatelli family who also built other area theaters like the Ball Square Theater and Central Theater, both in Somerville,[2] is a historic building at 202—208 Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington, Massachusetts.

History

The theater originally had a large pipe organ and seating for 1600 people among an orchestra area and balcony for viewing a stage where, in addition to films, vaudeville acts could be seen. The theater changed owners several times between the early 1930s and 1990 and was multiplexed in 1989. During the 1960s the theater was remodeled to a more contemporary design but the original details including granite columns and gold leaf detail were simply covered over rather than demolished. As a result during renovations in the 1990s the theater was able to be returned to its former 1930s styling. In the process of multiplex conversion great care was taken to preserve the original aesthetic of the theater and each screening room retains the distinct character of the original space. Theater #1 encompasses the original orchestra seating area, stage and soaring ceilings with gold leaf and plaster details.[2] Other screening rooms now occupy the former balcony and backstage area.

Image of the Arlington, MA Capitol Theater circa 1930 with original blade sign

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.[1]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2008-04-15.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 FEI Theatres. "History of the Capitol Theater". Retrieved June 23, 2013.