Aztec Theatre (San Antonio, Texas)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Aztec Theater | |
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| U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
 Aztec On The River Theater
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| Location: | San Antonio, Texas |
| Coordinates: | 29°25′28″N 98°29′27″W / 29.42444°N 98.49083°W |
| Built/Founded: | 1926 |
| Architect: | Kelly,Robert B.; Pianta,Hannibal |
| Architectural style(s): | Other |
| Governing body: | Private |
| Added to NRHP: | October 22, 1992 |
| NRHP Reference#: | 92001403 |
104 N. St. Mary's Street - San Antonio, Texas 78205
On the Riverwalk at E.Commerce & N.St.Mary's
Contents |
[edit] History
Built in 1926, the Aztec Theater is a notable example of the impressive exotic-theme motion picture palaces constructed in the United States during the economic boom of the 1920s. The Kellwood Corporation, owned by Robert Bertrum Kelly (the architect on record) and H.C. Woods, constructed the theater in 1926 with the financial backing of Commerce Reality at a cost of $1.75 million dollars.
The Aztec Theater was part of the Theater district that included the Empire (1914), the Texas (1926), the Majestic (1929), and the Alameda (1949).
Though the theater remained highly popular for many decades, by the 70s, it was in decline. It was cut into three auditoriums as the Aztec Triplex, but this only slowed the eventual. In 1989, the Aztec closed. Since October 1992, the theatre is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, which helped save it from demolition.
Based on San Antonio’s Riverwalk, the second most popular tourist attraction in Texas, the new Aztec On The River re-opened in May 2006. The first 18 months of its reopening, the theatre struggled to bring in customers and the theater eventually closed on 17 December 2007 for refurbishment. The reopening date is set for Summer 2009, (http://www.sanantonioroselive.com), with Drury Hotels planning to convert the facility into a concert venue.
[edit] Architectural Features
The Aztec was designed by the firm of Meyer & Holler. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989 , it is decorated with vibrantly-colored columns, sculptures, furnishings and murals, many of which are authentic reproductions of Meso-American artifacts. Hanging in front of the stage is the original fire screen, a painting depicting the meeting of the Aztec ruler Montezuma II and Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes in 1519. The interior of the theater is embellished with fixtures, furnishings, relief carvings, sculpture, plaques, painted symbols and architectural elements inspired by the Aztec, Mixtec, Zapotec, Toltec, and Mayan cultures. The theater is housed in a six-story office building.
A massive two-ton chandelier dominates the theater lobby. Added to the theatre in 1929, the chandelier has been completely restored by the grandson of the original designer. The chandelier was installed the same day the stock market crashed in 1929.
The Aztec Theatre is quoted in Patricia Schultz's travel book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
[edit] Retail shops
The Riverwalk level of the Aztec Theater features retail outlets, a restaurant and a bar :
- Iron Cactus Mexican Grill: Tex Mex restaurant. http://www.ironcactus.com/
- Rio San Antonio Cruises: River cruises with entertaining narratives of the rich history of the San Antonio River. http://www.riosanantonio.com/
- It's Aglow: selling candles holders and ornaments made from a rock sourced from Utah. http://www.itsaglow.com/
- A Taste of Texas Wine: Offering a portfolio of wines from vintners across Texas. http://www.atasteoftexaswine.com/
- Roosters: Men's Grooming Center. http://www.roostersmgc.com/
- Agave Bar: named one of the top ten tequila bars in the country, it feature over 80 selections of tequila from Mexico and specialize in a variety of margaritas and tequila drinks unique to Texas.
[edit] Gallery
 Grand auditorium |
 Masks and pipes |
 Renovated chandelier |
 Theater Organ |
 Banner |
 Grand Lobby |
 Aztec Mask |
[edit] References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2008-04-15. http://www.nr.nps.gov/.
