Boxoffice barometer (1944)

SKATING BOWLING DINING and women's restrooms and lockers. A circular alcove at the corner opposite the entrance is provided for orchestra or automatic musical instruments. A scenic garden pool, convertible to natural outdoor ice skating in winter, is located adjacent to the rink. THE BOWLING DEPARTMENT is designed to be entirely different from the customary bowling alley plan. The entire wall on the street side of this building is of glass and the performance of bowlers is visible from the restaurant and outdoor dining terrace as well as from the street. A loud-speaker system in the restaurant will announce to patrons the availability of alleys. Names registered for bowling time will be called. The approach to the clothes and equipment lockers is easily accessible without disturbance to other patrons. The pin boys' room is located in the rear of the lanes and they will have their own toilets and locker rooms. THE RESTAURANT, directly connected with the bowling section, is designed to cater to the eating habits of the entire community and particularly to those who participate in the various recreational activities provided. THE SUPER MARKET is designed to eliminate waste of time and effort in the selection and purchase of foodstuffs. Upon entrance, the patron may select her provisions, a clerk at each conveyor marks the customer's name and the price on the order, which is sent by conveyor to the cashiers and packers at a central point. Here the customer's name or number is called and she pays for and receives her purchases and is sent happily on her way. There are also conveyor slides from the second floor balcony of the building which are used for stock storage. When the display cases are to be restocked, the merchandise is quickly delivered where wanted. A GOWN SHOP is the featured element of the commercial enterprises. In circular formation at the rear of the theatre's stage, this ladies' fine clothes salon is strategically situated to appeal to the theatre's patrons who may conveniently enter it and view the styles before or after the theatre performance. A group of spaces for other shops in peninsular formation with displays on all sides and an arcade down the center extends gracefully along the street side adjacent to the gown shop. A variety of room sizes for small shops is provided by the flat-iron formation of this annex to the theatre. PARKING SPACE is amply provided in off-the-street areas and is accessible at all points of the project. A oar port for unloading and pick-up of patrons is located conveniently to the theatre and other principal elements of the project. LANDSCAPING is artistically arranged throughout the group to promote the feeling and effect of outdoor freedom. Trees, shrubbery, a garden pool, flower beds and plenty of green grass contribute greatly to the atmosphere of recreation that prevails throughout the entire group. That all elements of the project will benefit materially from their planned association is beyond question. Each will share most liberally in the variety of attraction values provided. The theatre section, since it is known to serve as the chief exploitation factor of all community or shopping center planning is in this instance placed in position to control the entertainment and recreational enterprises of the group. The bowling, skating, and dining concessions may well be kept under the control and operation of theatre ownership and management. Thus the customary competitive impasse involved in community or shopping center planning is removed and the potential earning power of the theatre investment is not only assured but greatly expanded in scope to include several other forms of popular amusement and recreation that now run counter to theatre patronage.