Embassy Theatre
Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Photos Copyright © 2004 - 2010 by Robert E Pence
The Emboyd Theatre and Indiana Hotel opened in 1928. The theatre, designed by John Eberson, prolific creator of movie palaces across the country, was built for movies and vaudeville shows. The building housing the theatre and hotel was the work of noted local architect A.M. Strauss, whose commercial and residential designs across the city are still much admired.
In 1951 the theatre and hotel were sold to the Alliance Amusement Company, and the name was changed to the Embassy. The Grande Page Organ fell into disrepair and a small group of local enthusiasts stepped in to restore and preserve it and present occasional concerts.
In 1972 the theatre was faced with demolition, presumably to create a parking lot for senior apartments that were proposed for the hotel. A preservation fund-raising effort kicked into gear, and dedicated volunteers put many hours of their own labor and sometimes considerable amounts of their own money into saving and restoring the facility. Now the theatre hosts concerts by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic along with numerous traveling shows and entertainers. The magnificent Grand Paige Organ rises to stage level on its platform to add its presence on many occasions.
The theatre marquee has been updated with digital reader boards.
Winter night scenes from February, 2008.
The interior photos were taken in 2006 and 2009 during the annual Festival of Trees, one of several events during Fort Wayne's downtown holiday celebration. Trees are sponsored by businesses, organizations, and individuals, and the festival visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorites. An admission fee is charged and the decorated trees are auctioned, with festival proceeds going toward the preservation and operation of the theatre.
The first floor of the Indiana Hotel lobby. The hotel currently is not used, although various possibilities for its use continue to be explored. The lobby is available for receptions and other private events.
Mezzanine level of the hotel lobby.
The theatre lobby seen from the mezzanine level. The theatre lobby may be hired for receptions and other private events.
The theatre auditorium originally seated 2,800, if I remember correctly. Several years ago the seatng was redone using the original decorative cast-iron stanchions but with wider cushions to accomodate the steadily-increasing girth of patrons. The change resulted in some loss of seating capacity.
Steps from the theatre lobby mezzanine up to the balcony
During the festival, nearly continuous entertainment by various arts groups takes place on the Embassy stage. On this day youth-oriented groups were featured.
A lighting sconce in the balcony
Stairway down from the hotel lobby mezzanine to the main floor ...
... and out the door ...
... onto Jefferson Boulevard.
Looking south on Harrison Street. The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is under construction on the right. The hotel and the Embassy will be connected by a skybridge, which along with the existing skybridge over Jefferson Boulevard, will provide hotel guests a sheltered connection with the Grand Wayne Center.
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