Historic Theater in Cincinnati Demolished for an Office Building

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The Theater was opened on December 24^th, 1927. It was designed by Architect Thomas Lamb of New York and built by Albee-Harris-Livon-Heidingsfeld. Designed during the period of opulent cinema palaces, it was one of the few remaining in the country and the only remaining one in the city. From its opening, it was used for films, major vaudeville acts, and later the "big bands" of America.

The location of the theater gives it additional significance. Fountain Square, Cincinnati's urban living room, has been described as the most successful urban space in the country by Edmund Bacon noted Philadelphia City Planner. The Albee Theater provides contrast to the high-rise office towers, retail stores and hotels, surrounding the square. With Fountain Square serving as the focal point of the Cincinnati Central Business District, the theater has the potential of providing an entertainment center for a revitalized city center and regenerating nighttime activity.

But instead, in 1972 the city decided to tear down the theater to build a 50-story office building. Extensive public outcry ensued, and city residents began an extensive campaign to save the buildings. The battle continued for several years until, sadly, in 1977 the city demolished the historic theater. A hotel was later constructed in its place.

Building Description

The narrow facade, which faced Fountain Square, is composed of a five-story Palladian motif. The masonry pilasters and slender Ionic columns, which rise almost the full height, are surmounted by a full-story each. The facade is flanked on both sides by buildings of shallow depth. The solid-void relationship of the Palladian motif is the reverse of the other buildings facing the square. This element defines the entrance to the theater, which is marked by a projecting marquee, lighted in the evening. The stage door on the west side is integrated into the Vine Street facade of the Fountain Square Hotel.

The floor plan is a top-heavy T. The base of the T, which faces Fountain Square, contains the entrance and lobby. The auditorium, which seats nearly 4,000, forms the cross bar of the plan and is located behind the shallow depth flanking buildings. The interior is ornate and Baroque in character. The lavish decoration of marble, gold leaf, mirrored glass, and silk wall coverings is enhanced by oil paintings and statuary costing $100,000 in 1927. The lobby is lighted by a 3 story window of translucent glass. The original crystal chandelier, weighing one ton, was removed from the lobby during World War II. However, the Corinthian marble columns and pilasters with gold-leaf capitals and other decorations are still in good condition. The auditorium is decorated in the same style as the lobby. There is a movable orchestra pit, but the disappearing organ console and the organ pipes have been removed. The organ was restored by the Ohio Valley Chapter of the American Theater Organ Society. The stage area has not changed and still contains an all-steel fly loft capable of handling any type or weight scenery. There are six floors of dressing rooms serviced by elevators and cooking facilities. The entire theater was originally cooled by a well drilled below the building.

(1972)

(1972)

(1972)

(1972)