| Historic Name: |
Guild 45th Theater |
Common Name: |
Guild 45th Theater |
| Style: |
Art Deco - Streamline Moderne |
Neighborhood: |
Wallingford |
| Built By: |
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Year Built: |
1920 |
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| Significance |
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In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. |
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This is one of the most intact of Seattle's few remaining neighborhood theaters, and perhaps the earliest of those remaining. During the first third of the 20th Century nearly every Seattle neighborhood had one or more movie theaters. Most have been demolished or converted to other uses; only a very few remain in use as theaters, as does this one. Although it has been altered, it clearly conveys its original use and significance.
This building is also notable for its Art Moderne styling, a popular fashion among movie houses of the 1930s-40s. Apparently, the theater was initially designed by architect George Purvis for the Paramount Theater Company. This early theater was in the Mediterranean Revival style,, but exhibited the same fenestration and entry as the later remodeled theater. As fashions changed, a new owner, H. Bruen, hired a local architect, Bjarne Moe, to update the design. This design was executed in 1933. The new parapet had vertical fluting, with rounded edges added to the first floor, for a Moderne touch. The second floor windows flanking the sign were retained, but have since been removed.
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| Appearance |
| This theater is distinguished by its the curving forms on the lower level, with rounded windows and entries and curving canopies above the ticket windows. The concrete building is clad in stucco, with wood trim. Some asphalt siding is found on the west side toward the rear. The horizontal bands and the stepped parapet with vertical and horizontal fluting also add to the Art Moderne feel. Also notable is the neon sign saying "45th St." The original metal canopy has been replaced by a smaller triangular marquee with the word "Guild" on each side and the windows on the upper level have been covered over. The main double doors are metal, in an arched entryway. |
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