212-214 S Michigan - State Theater_Survey Card

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MPS Fero 11 10100•s Ds4) United States .Department of the interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Inventory —Nomination Form Historic Resources of Continuation sheet Downtown South Bend Item number OMe rn '024 -oo's E46 K)-31-64 Page 53 k. The Blackstone or State Theater 212 South Michigan 141-56196-598 d. 1919 Description: OWNER: Frank C., Geraldine, Ida P. and Burton E. Toepp 4/9 interest) 727 E. Jefferson Boulevard South Bend, Indiana 46617 and: Mr. Jason Lindower, Controller 5/9 interest) St. Mary's College Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 Photo #63, 64; Building #34 The Blackstone Theater, located mid -block on the downtown mall (Michigan Street between Jefferson and Wayne) is a four-story, Neo-Classical structure of brick and terra-cotta. The first floor contains four small shops and the theater entrance which, along with the marquee, have been modernized. The second floor consists of a row of double -hung windows which form a base for the loggia above.. The loggia rises up to the height of four floors and is supportedby four sets of paired fluted columns with one column at each end. The loggia is framed by pilasters and an entablature.Thewall behind the colonnade is composed of panels of brick and terra-cotta within a diagonal basket weave pattern framed by pilasters and an entablature. Above each diagonal patterned panel are embossed terra-cotta panels heralding the performing arts. Flanking the loggia are simple, double -hung windows with elaborate terra-cotta surrounds. Below each window is a balconette and above is an.. exaggerated lintel containing a jester's face in place of a keystone. Significance: The Blackstone Theater was initiated in 1918 by businessmen from.Chicago. Incorporation was filed in 1919 and 99-year leases were acquired on Lots 56 and 57 of the Original Plat. In September, 1919,the city issued a building permit and the Ralph Sollitt and Son Con- struction firm began construction on the theater designed by Henry Newhouse, of Chicago. The fireproof structure cost $500,000, seated 2,500, and boasted one of the largest and most complete film booths in the United States, equipped with Cimplex Company motion picture projectors. The theater also offered a nursery for children whose parents were attending the performance. Thetheater' s name was changed to the State Theater in 1931, after being purchased from receivership. It remained in business until 1973. Architecturally, the Blackstone Theater is an outstanding example of a Neo-Classical theater and the only one extant in the downtown area. Designed for motion pictures and vaudeville shows, it contains many of the features typical to theaters built during the early 20th century, including lavish interior, ornate plaster work, abundant use of terra-cotta, and special services such as the nursery and shops. UTI1 Reference: 16/562440/4613690 Acreage: Less than one acre Legal: South 1/2 Lot 57 and 20.8 feet North side Lot 56, Original Plat of South Bend Parcel #18- 3003-0048 and 18-3003-0047