Carolina Theatre
The Carolina Theatre was originally built in 1927 as a part of Paramount's Publix Theatre chain. Charles Christian Hook designed the theatre and J. A. Jones Construction built the theatre. The interior mocked the look of a Spanish open air patio overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. (1)
The new theatre included amenities not usually seen in other theaters at the time such as air conditioning and an eight rank Wurlitzer organ. In 1938, the theatre was remodeled to accomodate the new "talkie" films. New projectors, larger seats, murals, sound equipment, and acoustic tiles were added.
During its time the theatre also accommodated live performances as well as feature films. Some of the most famous acts to come through included Bob Hope, Guy Lombardo, Tommy Dorsey, Tom Mix, Jimmy Stewart, Ethyl Barrymore, Andy Griffith, Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Frank Sinatra and Elvis. (2) The Carolina Theatre was the first of its kind and welcomed throughout the community as a place for entertainment.
On several occasions, the old theater has been up for demolition, but because of many grassroots projects it has yet to succumb to the wrecking ball. The Charlotte community views the theatre as a unique Charlotte treasure that should be preserved to honor its heritage. The Carolina Theatre Preservation Society has helped deter its destruction and as of November 2012, three bids have come through that would save the site. The Foundation of the Carolinas won the bid for $1. In return the Foundation promises to complete a historic renovation of the property within three years. It will also house "a 'boutique' mid-rise office building spanning above the property, with civic organizations as its primary tenants." The theatre will also be used for "civic uses such as lectures, town hall meetings, symposiums and panel discussions. Public entertainment would be offered on weekends with a private sector partner, providing an income stream to off-set operating costs."(3) The Foundation of the Carolinas promises to save the theatre and use it for many years to come.
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1. Carolina Theatre Preservation Society, last modified 2009. http://www.carolinatheatre.us/explore.html.
2. Ibid.
3. Susan Stabley, "Foundation For the Carolinas wins recommendation for Carolina Theatre Purchase," Charlotte Business Journal, December 3, 2012. http://www.bizjournals.com.