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20
Better Theatres Section
February 18, 1932
The upper view is of the mezzanine promenade, which is 225 feet long. Decorations include alcoves and niches containing statuary, paintings, etc., of local inspiration.
In the lower view is shown the left wall of the auditorium from the top of the balcony, indicating the general arched recess treatment with garden motifs and statues.
long. This foyer contains many novel features, some of historical interest locally. Englewood is an old, historic part of Chicago, and though many historical monuments still remain, many are gone and forgotten. These have been a source of ideas in planning the mezzanine foyer. There are alcoves, niches, vistas and the like in which are portrayed in miniature models, paintings, statuary representing
events in this community's bygone days.
These alcoves and niches have been particularly designed for lighting effects and for the display of features that can be removed from time to time and replaced with new subjects. This foyer also contains the main exit stairway which leads direct to the exit lobby and thence to the outside. There is also space in connection with this foyer to be used for tea rooms and lounging space with smoking privileges.
The auditorium is large and spacious and could well accomodate more seats, but 3,500 was agreed upon as being ample, and inasmuch as the large lot area was acquired, the use of a large balcony was dispensed with, and only a small balcony of a low type decided upon. This balcony projects only 30 feet into the auditorium, leaving a space from the front of the balcony to the stage of 100 feet. Total depth of the auditorium from the rear to the stage is 136 feet, and the width is 138 feet. The main floor of the auditorum contains six banks of seats, which gives a total of 2,500 seats on the main floor and 1,000 seats in the balcony.
At either side of the auditorium there is a large concourse, above which is space accommodating all fire exit stairways. In other words, all exit stairways are enclosed in walls or fire towers, no fire escapes being visible on the outside. On account of the large lot area, it was deemed advisable to do this, since it involves an economical form of construction, requires no upkeep and makes a safer group of stair