Mesa Theatre
Grand Junction, CO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Mesa Theatre has been a familiar entertainment stop along Main Street in Grand Junction, Colorado, for generations. Its marquee gives the downtown streetscape a welcome touch of movie-house character, recalling the years when audiences gathered beneath it for the latest picture. 09-06
Originally known as the Majestic, the theater became the Mesa in 1930. A major remodeling in 1953 brought a panoramic screen, stereo sound, and plush seating, updating the older auditorium for a new era of movies. Quite a change from its early picture-show days.
UPDATE: The Mesa remains active as a live music and entertainment venue, hosting touring performers and other events. Although the exterior lettering has changed since this photograph, the building continues drawing crowds downtown. Good to see this longtime theater keeping its place in Grand Junction's nightlife. 06-26
Lincoln Theatre
Cheyenne, WY Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Lincoln Theatre adds a grand old marquee to Central Avenue in downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming. Dating to the late 1920s, the theater became a familiar entertainment destination near the historic Lincoln Highway. Its prominent sign remains one of the highlights of a trip through downtown. 09-06
A 1955 remodeling gave the Lincoln an updated appearance, reopening that August with Henry Fonda in Mister Roberts. For generations, moviegoers passed beneath the marquee for an evening inside, while the theater adapted to changing tastes and presentation styles.
UPDATE: After its movie-house years ended in 2018, the Lincoln was renovated and reopened as a concert venue in August 2020. Wyoming musician Jalan Crossland played the inaugural show. The building continues hosting live entertainment, giving this downtown landmark another reason to light up the evening. 06-26
Fox
Theatre (Closed)
Trinidad, CO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Fox
Theatre is one of downtown Trinidad, Colorado's grand old entertainment landmarks. Opened in 1908 as West's Theatre, it was financed by cattle rancher Ed West and designed by the local Rapp Brothers firm. Traveling stage productions and vaudeville helped fill the auditorium during its early years. 09-06
The theater converted fully to motion pictures in 1929. A neon marquee arrived in 1935, still advertising the West name, before the theater officially became the Fox in 1942. Those changes gave the building successive layers of movie-house character while keeping its imposing Main Street presence.
UPDATE: The Fox closed in 2012, but the City of Trinidad acquired it in 2018 with preservation assistance. The Fox West Theatre Alliance continues working toward its restoration and reuse. Good to see an effort underway to give this remarkable old showplace another act. 06-26
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Side of Theatre Showing West Theatre name
Trinidad, CO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Fox Theatre Marquee Photo courtesy Larry Glass
Many thanks to Larry Glass for photo update. 11-07
Gothic Theatre
Englewood, CO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Gothic Theatre is a familiar landmark along South Broadway in Englewood, Colorado. Dating to the late 1920s, the old movie house catches the eye with its distinctive script lettering and Art Deco styling. Even on a quiet afternoon, the marquee looks ready to welcome another crowd. 04-09
The facade was updated in the 1940s, giving the theater another layer of roadside character. Its later entertainment history included an early run as a concert venue, with acts such as Nirvana, Phish, and the Beastie Boys appearing during the 1990s. Quite a change from the neighborhood picture-show days.
UPDATE: New ownership rescued the Gothic in 1998 and undertook extensive renovations while preserving its historic interior. The theater reopened on June 23, 1999, with New Orleans' Rebirth Brass Band onstage. It continues hosting live music, keeping this longtime South Broadway showplace in the entertainment business. 06-26
Gothic Theatre front
Englewood, CO Photo courtesy Larry Glass
UPDATE: Here's a look at the front of the Art Deco Gothic Theatre with its classic design and colors. According to the Gothic Theatre website, the theatre dates back to the roaring Twenties and was the first to show talking pictures in the city. In 1998, the Gothic was saved from the bankruptcy and the possible wrecking ball and was restored back to life. 04-09
UPDATE: The Gothic received a second chance in 1998 when new ownership stepped in and saved the building from possible demolition. Following an extensive restoration, the theater reopened in 1999 as a live music venue. Today, the Gothic Theatre remains one of Colorado's premier concert halls, hosting national touring acts while preserving the historic character that has made it a South Broadway landmark for nearly 100 years. 06-26
Mesa Theatre
Lincoln Theatre
Gothic Theatre
Gothic Theatre front
