Aztec Theater
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Images
"Aztec On The River - Building" by Charou at en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aztec_On_The_River_-_Building.jpg#/media/File:Aztec_On_The_River_-_Building.jpg
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
Boasting unique Meso-American architecture, the Aztec Theatre was constructed in 1926. It soon became known as one of the most grandiose and spectacular entertainment plazas around hosting a number of movie premieres as well as stage productions. Live shows included chorus girls, a 26-piece orchestra, and an 11-rank Robert Morton organ.
While the theater thrived for decades, by the 1970s the entertainment center experienced a decrease in popularity and revenue. Eventually, the building was divided into three auditoriums, but it wasn't enough to remedy the theatre's troubles, and it finally closed in 1984. In 1889, when there was talk of demolition, the San Antonio Conservation Society purchased the property. Fortunately, the theater was deservingly listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
After a grand restoration, designating the building as a multiplex with auditoriums, offices, special events spaces, and retail space, the Aztec has been reopened and is now one of the most-loved attractions on the San Antonio River Walk.