Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1925-Mar 1926)

December 26, 1925 EXHIBITORS HERALD 39 1925 Building Cost Is $226,782,243 Theatre construction throughout the country has shown a strong growth in the past few years; according to figures furnished by the Architectural Forum. During 1925 $226,782,243 was spent in the building of playhouses. The yearly increase since 1922 is shown in the following figures: 1922 $109,667,700 1923 99,963,800 1924 118,119,168 1925 226,782,243 Early predictions for 1925 placed the theatre construction program at $135,000,000. A later summary at the end of the year showed that this figure had mounted to $226,782,243. A similar early forecast of theatre construction for 1926 shows $174,000,000 worth of work scheduled. This is an increase of about $34,000,000 over the situation as prevailing a year ago. Taking into consideration remodeling and further projects which will naturally develop later in the year it is safe to assume that the 1926 theatre building program will exceed $250,000,000. Many New Playhouses to Be Erected in Nebraska Theatre construction goes on steadily in Omaha and other cities of the state. In addition to the new A. H. Blank $1,000,000 theatre, for which the excavation has been dug, the New World Realty Company $1,000,000 house, for which architects’ plans are being completed, and a rumored $1,500,000 house, there is a steady increase in smaller houses. A new house opens this week, namely the Dundee, located in the midst of the city’s most aristocratic residence section. A. R. Hansen, former cafe man, has made the house a model suburban theatre. Another suburban house is planned by Ernest A. Harms, owner of four theatres, the Rohlf at 2550 Leavenworth street; the Apollo at 2824 Leavenworth street; the Lyric at 1617 Vinton street, and the Mueller at Vinton and Seventeenth streets. Mr. Harms’ new house is to be at Military avenue and Forty-fifth street. The cost will be in the neighborhood of $75,000. The Hostettler Amusement company, active in theatre operating in Nebraska and Iowa, has a new theatre construction job on its hands as the result of a fire at Hastings, Nebr., which destroyed the Empress theatre. The fire started in the McThiney theatre adjoining the picture house and spread to the theatre and the American hotel, which occupied part of the building. The ceiling of the theatre caved in and water damage was so heavy that it cannot be reconstructed. The Hostettler company therefore is planning a new theatre, with 1,000 or more seating capacity compared with 650 in the Empress and more modern in every way. The cost will be about $150,000. Construction work will begin soon on the Hostettler theatre at Grand Island, Nebr., to cost $250,000 as a complete investment. Buildings on the site are now being wrecked. Contrast ! That’s what good projection means — sharp, clear, contrast between light and dark. But contrast depends on the lens. Eliminate muddy, cloudy effects from your pictures by using Snaplite Lenses. They will inject more snap into even the poorest print, and give better ones the clear definition and strong black and white that audiences demand. See your Dealer or Write direct to KOLLMORGEN OPTICAL CORPORATION 35 Steuben St. Brooklyn, N. Y. Makers of SNAPLITE LENSES ALSO SNAPLITE JR. LENSES FOR PORTABLE MACHINES The Moorlyn Theatre at Ocean City, N. J., has added to the general attractiveness of its exterior by the installation of a fine new Marquise, built by The ProBert Sheet Metal Co., Covington, Kentucky. A CURTAIN CONTROL OPERATED FROM ANY POINT BOOTH — ORGAN — BOX OFFICE^— ANYWHERE SMOOTH SILENT ECONOMICAL THE A. D. C. CURTAIN CONTROL CREATES SHOWMANSHIP OF THE HIGHEST CALIBRE Used Extensively in Noted Theatres AUTOMATIC DEVICES CO. 17 N. 7th ST. ALLENTOWN, PA. SIMPLY PRESS A BUTTON