Construction Work On Theater Delayed

Construction work is being delayed on the new Loew theater, to be erected on the old Arcade property, S. Main street, according to Joseph Laronge, Cleveland realtor, by work of clearing the title to the property.
This is being done by a Cleveland firm of attorneys. Financing has been completed and the bonds will be sold as soon as the title is cleared, he said. Dow Harter, Akron attorney, is handling the work for the Akron Arcade Realty Co., owners of the property.
Indications .are that work will not be started until fall, Lagronge said.
 

"Construction Work On Theater Delayed." Akron Topics May. 1926: 7. Akron-Summit County Library:
     Special Collections

THE NEW LOEW THEATRE
Akron Makes Notable Advance In This
Magnificent New Playhouse
By BURT HOMMEL

A REMARKABLE theatre strikingly beautiful in its Spanish-Moorish dress—the new Loew show-house on South Main Street, between Bowery and Center, is not only magnificent but imposing in its grandeur.

Enthusiastic public approval in terms of tributary exclamations was attested by the thousands of patrons who saw the marvelous interior during the opening days. And Akron is proud of its new shrine of entertainment. It took years- -long periods of preliminary negotiations for the site, subsequent toil on building plans, evolving of a selective architecture—before the structure could even be started. Finally, all obstacles overcome by the peculiar efficiency and decision of the Loew organization, construction work was begun. Little time was lost by delays as the project moved through its various stages with clock-work precision.

On Saturday, April 20, the zero hour arrived. The doors of the theatre were thrown open for the first performance. Thousands of eager patrons jammed all avail-able space to drink in the novelty and excitement of the first night.

Not only the newest but the city's largest theatre, Loew's has a seating capacity of 3,500. John Eberson, creative New York architect, was the designer. Many unusual indirect lighting effects are attained through recesses along the walls and at other vantage points. A new type glass, which absorbs the blinding glare of the mother bulb, diffuses a soft glow that is easy on the eyes. The interior presents the illusion of an outdoor scene. The ceiling is a midnight blue, with a few fleecy clouds and stars adding a twinkling realism to the picture. Flanking at the sides are wall effects of turrets and vines in the Moorish manner. The impression is distinctly effective in its make-believe.

Not being "hot" on detailed description of beautiful things, one might reasonably be pardoned for filching a few interpretations from a recent article by Alice Edison on the new theatre.

`"One finds oneself in a Spanish patio of Moorish influence. Statues of Greek goddesses, cherubs and a picturesque Moorish Monk lend atmosphere to the interior, which is a glorious maze of brilliant colors, skillfully blended into one harmonious radiance. Lining the walls of the foyer are beautiful plaques of authoritative Moorish design. The grand lobby is flanked on either side by two huge ornate pilasters in which rich tapestries are hung. A mammoth candelabra, finished with French velour tassels, hangs from the ceiling in the center and is supplemented by two auxiliary candelabra of unusual artistry. Shield pendant lights line the walls and graceful statues of Greek gods and goddesses stand in the alcoves. The theatre propel- puts one permanently under the spell of the past in the Spanish-Moorish detail carried out everywhere."

From the operation standpoint, the theatre's mechanics stand as the last word. Ventilation, heating and cooling are automatically controlled for the comfort of patrons. The air is changed every 72 seconds. Commodious rest and smoking rooms have all the earmarks of modernity.

Concurrent with the first marked popularity of the talkies, special building plans have been carried out in the auditorium for offering sound-film fare. The projection apparatus is the product of the latest laboratory specifications for presenting the see-hear diversion.

Loew's show policy is familiar to all. The theatre chain's standard here, as elsewhere, combines high-class vaudeville with pictures. Headliners will not be infrequent during coming months.

The position of manager, whose job has been from time immemorial to get the best shows and please all of the people all the time, is capably filled by Dave Nolan. one-time publicity director of the Palace Theatre, Cleve-land.
R. A. Jones, former assistant head of the Palace at Cleveland, is assistant manager.
W. A. Finney, high official of Loew Theatres, directed the opening.

 

"The New Loew Theatre." Akron Topics May. 1929: 23. Akron-Summit County Library:
     Special Collections