Huntridge Theater

The Huntridge Theater is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places for its contribution to Las Vegas recreation and entertainment, and its modern style of architecture.

The Huntridge Theater was designed by S. Charles Lee, one of the country's well-known theater architects. In addition to designing more than 300 theaters throughout the United States, Lee built several theaters in Mexico. Construction of the Huntridge began in 1943, during the height of World War II. Materials and labor were in short supply due to the war; brick and concrete shell was common to buildings of this period. The contractor for the project was Pioneer Construction Co.; several local sub-contractors were also employed. The Huntridge interiors were designed by A.B. Heinsbergen of Beverly Hills. At the time Mr. Heinsbergen was the veteran of over 376 large theaters and was recognized as the Designer of the Year by the United States Government in 1940.

The historic Huntridge Theater opened on October 10, 1944. It is believed to be the oldest operating movie theater in southern Nevada. Located on the corner of Maryland Parkway and Charleston Boulevard, it serves as the cornerstone for the Huntridge neighborhood, which includes houses and commercial buildings constructed in the 1940s. The original builder and proprietor of the Huntridge Theater were Commonwealth Las Vegas Theater, Inc., whose officers at the time of opening were C.A. Schultz, President, O.K. Mason, Vice-President, and General Manager, and A.J. (Sim) Simmons who managed the Huntridge from the construction phase to its opening.

The opening films on its first day were "Hi, Neighbor" and "Hellzapoppin." The promotion for the opening of the theater included a contest to name the movie stars, with the first prize of a $25.00 war bond and 10 guest tickets. The Huntridge Development Co., owned by prominent Las Vegas Thomas Oakey, was responsible for the contracting of the property. Mr. Oakey was also a partner in the venture. It is unclear from historic records as to when Commonwealth Las Vegas Theater, Inc., group dissolved but it is known that prior to 1951 Mr. Oakey had new partners in the property, including legendary actresses Irene Dunn and Loretta Young.

In 1951, a 27-year lease of the Huntridge Theater was begun with Lloyd and Edith Katz of Las Vegas. Mr. and Mrs. Katz operated the Huntridge Theater, the Fremont Theater, and the Guild Theater, all located in Las Vegas. The Huntridge was operated by the Katz's until 1978 when the theater was purchased by Mr. Frank Silvaggio, a Las Vegas contractor.

During the nearly 50 years of its operation, the Huntridge has hosted many famous personalities. In March of 1947, Abbott and Costello appeared live on the Huntridge stage to present their new movie "Buck Privates Come Home." In the 1950s such artists as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Jerry Lewis, Marlene Dietrich, and Vincent Price appeared at the Huntridge in promotions for their latest movies. The Huntridge Theater, along with the Fremont Theater, was host to the world premiere of the "Las Vegas Story" in which all of the major actors in the picture were attendance.

The building is a combination of the Moderne style of architecture and the International style. Characteristics of the Moderne style, known also as the "streamlined style," include curved corners, asymmetrical fenestration, smooth wall surfaces, and small round windows. The style was inspired by the industrial design of the 1930s and eventually replaced the earlier, more ornate Art Deco style. The Huntridge Theater displays features of the Moderne style such as the rounded facade and corner, the smooth wall surfaces, the fluting on the tower, and the small "porthole" under the "Huntridge" neon sign. International style characteristics include the minimal surface decoration, the asymmetrical massing of the building, and the flat roof. The theater is one of the few buildings to survive in Las Vegas from this decade.

The Huntridge Theater is best remembered as the place to go for Saturday matinees. Thousands of Las Vegas children passed through the portals of the theater to view many Disney films which had their Las Vegas premieres at the Huntridge. Many prominent Nevadans worked at the Huntridge in their early years. Such notables as Frankie Sue Del Papa, the state's Attorney General, and others were ushers and concessions personnel at the theater. Senator Richard Bryan grew up in the Huntridge neighborhood and spent many hours in the Huntridge Theater.

After the purchase by Mr. Silvaggio in 1979, the theater was converted into a twin theater in 1980. During the subsequent 10 years, the theater was operated by a number of different individuals and companies, including United Artists Corporation. The theater began to decline in popularity in the 1980s due to the advent of multi-theater complexes and its inability to compete in the marketplace. The theater closed in 1990 after repeated attempts to find a niche in which it could survive.

In January 1992, the theater was leased by Richard and Tamara Lenz. The theater was restored to a single space and much of the original decor was maintained, including the decorative wing walls on either side of the stage, the pillars in the lobby area, and the 75-foot high "Huntridge" sign.

In a city with few landmarks over thirty years old that have not been destroyed or extensively remodeled, the Huntridge stands intact as a tribute to its time. It is filled with the memories of the local people who grew up in Las Vegas.