I am currently taking a course in Historic Preservation. We are studying the origins of people protecting culturally significant building or restoring them to their original condition. Recently, we took a tour of the Historic Tennessee Theatre in downtown Knoxville.
Originally a movie palace, the elaborate theatre is designed in Spanish-Moorish style with French influence. Art Deco was popular in the 20s and it is apparent in the lighting and interior decoration of the theatre. It was, at one point, the tallest building in Knoxville. Before the theatre, the lot contained a wooden log structure owned by Blount College, which later became the University of Tennessee. One major feature was the elegantly beautiful pipe organ by Wurlitzer. With only a signal screen, the capabilities of the theatre were limited. Simple vaudeville and organ shows were common. Due to the rising trend of multiple screens for multiple movies, the theatre suffered a depression. As the years went by, the condition slowly dropped until it finally closed in 1977. A local radio company called Dick Broadcasting purchased the theatre in 1981 which saved it from being demolished. Dick started renovations in order to open in time for the World's Fair in 1982. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Originally a movie palace, the elaborate theatre is designed in Spanish-Moorish style with French influence. Art Deco was popular in the 20s and it is apparent in the lighting and interior decoration of the theatre. It was, at one point, the tallest building in Knoxville. Before the theatre, the lot contained a wooden log structure owned by Blount College, which later became the University of Tennessee. One major feature was the elegantly beautiful pipe organ by Wurlitzer. With only a signal screen, the capabilities of the theatre were limited. Simple vaudeville and organ shows were common. Due to the rising trend of multiple screens for multiple movies, the theatre suffered a depression. As the years went by, the condition slowly dropped until it finally closed in 1977. A local radio company called Dick Broadcasting purchased the theatre in 1981 which saved it from being demolished. Dick started renovations in order to open in time for the World's Fair in 1982. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Upon entering the lobby, Spanish-Moorish arches line the two side walls. There is a slight incline upward with a line of French chandeliers running along the middle of the ceiling. The grand stair extends against the two walls and meet to create a mezzanine level. Italian terrazzo floors extend throughout the lobby. The carpet, draperies, and fabrics are of Oriental design.
Restrooms are located in the lounge, one floor below the main entrances to the theatre. The signs are in the original style.
The stage underwent a huge extension, closing for renovation in 2003. Before the renovation, it would have been impossible for a Broadway show, symphony, or opera to take place on the small stage. The renovation would extend, cantilevering over the vehicular street that the city would not allow to be closed. The original theatre cost 1 million dollars to construct in 1928. With the help of private donations and city funds, the 29 million dollar renovation took two years. In 2005, the theatre opened back up and remains a Knoxville treasure.
The stage addition added a custom orchestra shell to house the pipe organ and increase the acoustics for the larger stage. The front part of the stage lowers and raises back to the original position. Renew facilities also included an upgraded dressing quarter, new marquee, and the installation of elevators.
Astounding views await the patrons of the theater upon entering the main auditorium. Ornate light fixtures line the Spanish-Moorish walls. A recessed egg shape peaks the center of the space with fenced spires around the lip. When you see a show at the Historic Tennessee theatre, the performance is not the only spectacle.
Upon exiting the theatre from the balcony, the circulation path leads you to the grand stair balcony. A view of the entrance lobby extends in front.
Ornate features line the hallways and walls of the theatre. Every detail is reminiscent of the original condition of the movie palace, from the water fountains to the statues, and even the endplates of each row of seating.
I have loved this theater ever since I moved to Knoxville and never knew it had so much rich history and culture. It has really opened my eyes to the restoration of historic buildings and piqued my interest in the lengths taken to bring back spaces.
Read more about the theatre here.
Astounding views await the patrons of the theater upon entering the main auditorium. Ornate light fixtures line the Spanish-Moorish walls. A recessed egg shape peaks the center of the space with fenced spires around the lip. When you see a show at the Historic Tennessee theatre, the performance is not the only spectacle.
Upon exiting the theatre from the balcony, the circulation path leads you to the grand stair balcony. A view of the entrance lobby extends in front.
I have loved this theater ever since I moved to Knoxville and never knew it had so much rich history and culture. It has really opened my eyes to the restoration of historic buildings and piqued my interest in the lengths taken to bring back spaces.
Read more about the theatre here.
