The Philadelphia Register of Historic Places has a new entry in the Circle Theater, writes Aaron Moselle for WHYY.
The Circle Theater in Frankford is a former movie theater that was once home to a 3,000-seat auditorium.
Built in 1929 by Philadelphia-based architects William Hoffman and Paul Henon, it was one of the hundreds of movie palaces across the city.
A nomination submitted to the Philadelphia Historical Commission noted that the property is one of “relatively few survivors with significant architectural integrity.”
The Circle Theater stood out among movie theater interiors due to its dark blue ceiling, “electric star lighting” and courtyard design.
It closed in 1953 as television started to become a hindrance to the movie theater business.
“It’s pretty difficult to see a building like this being used as a single theater again, but it is a reminder of that history and sort of a visual landmark for a lot of people,” said Ted Maust, a preservation planner at the historical commission.
Given its new designation, any proposed changes to the theater’s exterior has to be approved by the commission, and will also be largely protected against demolition.
Read more about the Circle Theater’s history and new designation at WHYY.
_____
