This theatre has undergone a remarkable transformation journey as one of Los Angeles’ historic sites. Its history features periods of rise and fall, closure and renovation as the new Apple store. Learn more intriguing details at los-angeles-trend.
HOW DID IT ALL START?
Located at 800 S. Broadway in Los Angeles, CA, the Tower Theatre opened its doors in 1927. The cultural institution was the first to be designed by renowned theatre architect S. Charles Lee. He placed 900 seats in the theatre and organized retail on the first floor.
Let’s delve a little deeper into the life of this famous architect.
Simeon Charles Lee’s career began in Los Angeles. Born in Chicago in 1899, he graduated with honors from Chicago Technical College in 1918. The future architect’s worldview was influenced by the modernism of pioneers Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright.
The next step that brought S. Charles Lee closer to a breakthrough was earning a degree in architecture from the Armour Institute of Technology in 1921 (after serving in the Navy). After moving to Los Angeles, he received his first commission to design a movie theatre in 1922. In 1927, he completed The Tower Theatre on Broadway in downtown. This particular venue was later referred to as ‘America’s finest thousand-seat theatre.’
This particular commission marked a turning point in S. Charles Lee’s career, launching him to new heights of success. The architect soon became the center of attention, as he successfully completed numerous magnificent palace commissions, making him the talk of the city. His creations had the power to transport visitors into a realm of fantasy. S. Charles Lee skillfully blended various architectural styles and ornamental designs to create his masterpieces.
It is also interesting to note that he used his theatres as a remarkable form of advertisement. Even the sidewalk was incorporated into his design to attract the attention of both drivers and pedestrians. As S. Charles Lee stated, ‘The show starts on the sidewalk.’
Therefore, The Tower Theatre is truly exceptional. The theatre was situated in a National Historic District and listed on the CA Register.
THE TOWER THEATRE AND ITS STORY
H. L. Gumbiner was the commissioner who built the theatre. In 1931, he also built the Los Angeles Theatre. The man was a local exhibitor who truly believed that luxury could attract attention and generate high income. However, this idea did not stand the test of time, as the cost exceeded Gumbiner’s capabilities.
His resources were sufficient to construct the front of the stage for scenery, but the second entrance was never built at the Los Angeles Theatre.
However, let’s return to the story of The Tower Theatre. The venue was constructed in the Renaissance style, incorporating French, Spanish, Italian and Moorish elements, resulting in an intriguing and innovative design. The theatre’s interior design drew inspiration from the famous Palais Garnier in Paris.
The building’s exterior once boasted a prominent clock tower, which was demolished following the earthquake.
NEWSREEL THEATER: ‘THE GINGHAM GIRL’
Surprisingly, this theatre was the first establishment in Los Angeles to use cutting-edge technology to present films with synchronized sound. The theatre debuted in 1927 with the screening of the silent film ‘The Gingham Girl’, which quickly gained popularity and won the hearts of many fans.
‘The Gingham Girl’ is an American comedy film directed by David Kirkland, based on the play by Daniel Kusell. The screenplay was written by David Kirkland, Rex Taylor and Ewart Adamson. The film features a talented cast, including Lois Wilson, Hazel Keener, George K. Arthur, Jerry Miley and others. Interestingly, a preserved copy of this film can be found in Brussels.
What made the establishment also exceptional was that it utilized the Carrier mechanical air conditioning system. It was truly a groundbreaking innovation at the time. The Tower Theatre was one of the first movie theatres unafraid to embrace new technologies, paving the way for others to follow suit.
Back in 1950, the theatre started a prosperous era of exclusively showing newsreels, appropriately becoming known as Newsreel Theatre. The original signs can still be seen on the building’s north and east facades. Additionally, it served as a conventional theatre known as Music Hall Downtown.
TOWER THEATRE
The theatre got that name in 1965. By the 1990s, it had become one of the favorite filming locations. One notable production filmed there was the 1992 American-French musical drama ‘Mambo Kings,’ produced by Warner Bros.
The story is based on the novel ‘The Mambo Kings Sing Love Songs’ by writer Oscar Hijuelos. Nestor and César are two brothers who can’t imagine their lives without mambo music. In the early 1950s, they went to New York from their native Havana to conquer the musical Olympus. At first, the easy and pleasant journey did not foreshadow any storms. But once in the United States, the brothers quickly realized that the road to fame is thorny and new musical rhythms break through sometimes through suffering, nerves and tears. The two brothers adore each other, even though their personalities are like night and day. The problems related to creative work are aggravated by a sad love triangle. This captivating film features incredible music and stars renowned Hollywood actors like Antonio Banderas and Armand Assante.
THE DECLINE OF THE THEATRE AND THE ADVENT OF THE APPLE STORE
The renowned theatre closed its doors in 1988, leaving the space vacant and unused. In 2018, however, a project was undertaken to transform the space into an Apple Store.
The project encompassed reinforcing the structure to withstand seismic activity, restoring the stunning glazed architectural terra cotta facade, rebuilding the dismantled clock tower and restoring the charm of the Broadway and 8th Street marquees. Additionally, the interior marble, plaster and decorative painting were meticulously refurbished to their former glory.
The project’s scale was truly impressive, considering the challenge of transforming a historic theatre into a modern space while preserving its delicate essence. Thanks to the efforts of the Conservancy, the once-abandoned theatre on historic Broadway has been brought back to life.
The Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation and the Los Angeles City Planning Office of Historic Resources also joined the effort, resulting in the preservation of the unique identity and charm of the historic structure.
Upon completion of the project in 2021, residents and visitors of Los Angeles once again had the opportunity to experience the revitalized interior of the theatre.
GRAND CELEBRATION
The Los Angeles Conservancy honored the winners of the 2022 Preservation Awards at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. These are some fascinating details about the theatre worth remembering.
The Tower Theatre was the first movie theatre in Los Angeles, where people could experience films with sound for the first time.
During the restoration of the theatre, skilled artisans meticulously hand-treated every surface, including repairs, painting and polishing.
The renovated Apple Tower Theatre seamlessly combines the realms of liberal arts and cutting-edge technology.
The Forum stands out as the centerpiece of the theatre, having been reimagined during the Apple sessions.
The remarkable thing is that the theatre underwent a complete renovation to withstand seismic activity, guaranteeing its enjoyment for generations to come. Apple Tower Theatre now serves as the 26th office for the tech giant in the wider Los Angeles region. Around 100 skilled individuals from the store’s retail team have joined forces with 3,000 Apple Store employees in the area.
The Apple Tower Theatre pays tribute to the vibrant history and cultural heritage of Los Angeles, the entertainment capital. It’s truly inspiring to learn about the theatre’s journey and the dedicated individuals who worked tirelessly to bring it back to life. You can experience the captivating story of Apple Tower Theatre by watching the video.
