State Theater & Valis Building
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Constructed in the 1920s, the Second Renaissance Revival theater building, spanning four stories, showcases exquisite craftsmanship with fire block, brick, and stone. Originally serving as a movie theater, it later transformed into Jennette's Lounge before becoming home to various restaurants by the late 1990s. The building's ground floor boasts altered storefronts and a contemporary box marquee, while its upper levels feature a stunning three-story arcade adorned with double-hung windows and crowned by a corbelled brick cornice. Situated at 259 East Main Street, it is flanked by the Valis Block, enriching the area's historical and architectural landscape.
Images
Intersection of East Main Street and Arch Avenue, late 1920s
State Theater at Main Street and Arch Avenue 1926
Jeanette’s Lounge with mural of drinks located in the former State Theater
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
The four-story Second Renaissance Revival vertical block theater building from the 1920s stands as a testament to architectural grandeur, crafted from fire block, brick, and stone. Originally designed as a single-screen movie projection theater with sound, it thrived until the mid-1900s, when it transformed into Jennette's Lounge. Subsequently, by the late 1990s, the space found new life as a home to various restaurants, a purpose it still serves today.
Upon entering, the first floor greets visitors with altered storefronts and a contemporary box marquee. Historic images reveal that a partial canopy bearing the inscription "State Theater" once adorned the facade but has since been removed. Ascending, the upper three floors unveil a majestic three-story arcade adorned with four bays of 1/1 double-hung windows, each boasting stone sills and headers. Completing its majestic presence, a corbelled brick cornice crowns the edifice.
Standing proudly at 259 East Main Street, the building finds itself flanked by the Valis Block, adding to the historical and architectural richness of the area.