United Artists Theatre (Portland, Oregon) Explained

United Artists Theatre
Former Names:Majestic Theatre
Address:739 SW Washington Street
Location:Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Renovated:1929
Closed:1955
Demolished:1957

United Artists Theatre, originally known as the Majestic Theatre, was a movie palace in Portland, Oregon, United States. It was Portland's first theater exclusively for movie screening.

History

The Majestic Theatre opened as Portland's first "palace" for motion pictures on June 10, 1911, at the northeast corner of Southwest Park Avenue and Washington Street. It had 1,100 seats, and was originally owned by Edwin F. James.[1]

In 1929, it was sold to J. J. Parker Theatres, who renovated it and changed its name to United Artists Theatre.[2] The building was designed by Bennes and Herzog, who are also designed Portland's Hollywood Theatre. During the renovation, offices on the second floor were converted into a lounge measuring 40feet by 100feet, and the interior was refitted.[2] Mayor George Luis Baker spoke at its rededication ceremony on September 29, 1928.

The theatre closed in 1955 and was demolished in 1957.[2] The site is now occupied by the Union Bank Tower (formerly known as the Bank of California building), built from 1967–1969.[2]

Notes and References

  1. The Moving Picture World. 29. July 15, 1916. 409. Portland, Oregon Looks Back Over Ten Years. 1717051. New York City. Google Books.
  2. Book: Lacher. Gary. Steve. Stone. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Theatres of Portland. 2009. 978-1-439-63831-6 . Arcadia Publishing. 27–28.