Emporia Granada Theatre

The Granada Theatre is a theatre located in Emporia, Kansas, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and was designed by the Boller Brothers.

Emporia Granada Theatre
Emporia Granada Theatre is located in Kansas
Emporia Granada Theatre
Emporia Granada Theatre is located in the United States
Emporia Granada Theatre
Location807 Commercial
Emporia, Kansas
Coordinates38°24′28″N 96°10′48″W
Arealess than one acre
Built1929
ArchitectBoller Brothers
Architectural styleSpanish Colonial Revival
NRHP reference No.85000693[1]
Added to NRHPApril 04, 1985

History

The Granada Theatre was constructed in 1929 at a cost of $350,000 ($5.96 million in 2022 dollars[2]). The theatre was dedicated on October 3, 1929, in a speech by “The Sage of Emporia,” William Allen White. During its early years, the theatre attracted many famous performers. In addition to screening movies, it was used for everything from beauty contests to traveling vaudeville acts. It was leased for many years to the Fox Corporation and became known as the Fox Theatre.[3]

Architect Robert O. Boller, of Boller Brothers, Architects, designed the Granada Theatre. Boller Brothers were nationally known theatre designers with offices in Kansas City and Los Angeles.[3]

Like many grand old movie palaces of its era, the Granada's popularity declined during the 1960s and 70s. During this period, the building suffered from neglect and damage resulting from a leaking roof. It was closed in 1982. In April 1985, the theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, but, it was not until demolition threatened the building in 1994 that a group of citizens rallied to save the theatre.[3]

In cooperation with the Kansas Preservation Alliance, the Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance was formed and acquired the building, saving it from destruction. Since then, the Alliance members and numerous volunteers have spent countless hours stabilizing and renovating the outside of the building and preparing for the interior phase of the project. Working cooperatively with other local arts, cultural and tourism organizations, the Alliance has developed a plan to make the Granada Theatre a keystone facility – a place that builds community.[3]

Emporia Granada Theatre Logo

Board of directors

When the Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance bought the Granada Theatre in 1994, they set up a Board of Directors to oversee everything done at the theatre. They raised money for renovating the theatre, as well. The Director of the Granada Theatre, Brian Williams, also reports to them.[4]

Executive Members: [4]

  • Kristi Henrikson-Mohn, President
  • Gary Andrews, Vice-President
  • Harry Stephens, Past-President
  • Janis Meyer, Treasurer
  • Mary Sue Wade, Secretary
  • Sarah Harbaugh, Executive at Large
  • Brad Harzman, Executive at Large

Full Board Membership: [4]

  • Sue Blechl
  • Scott Bolley
  • Dr. William H. Clamurro
  • Tyler Curtis
  • Mary Downing
  • Staci Hammon
  • Rachel LeClear
  • Roy Mann
  • Janet Miley
  • Janelle North
  • Paula Sauder
  • Dave Stormont
  • Beth Thomas
  • Tom Thompson
  • Marge Trayer
  • Jan Traylor
  • Mike TurnBull
  • Norma Watson

Notable performances
Wynonna Judd performing at the Theatre on July 24, 2016

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  3. "History «". Archived from the original on 2013-08-27. Retrieved 2013-10-10.
  4. "Board of Directors & Staff « Emporia Granada Theatre". Archived from the original on 2015-06-10. Retrieved 2017-08-23.
  5. "Joseph Hall's ELVIS Rock n' Roll Remember Christmas Show 12/20 «". Archived from the original on 2013-08-27. Retrieved 2017-08-23.
  6. "Emporia, KS Event Calendar - Events in Emporia, Kansas". Americantowns.com. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  7. "Bellamy Brothers at Emporia Granada Theatre (05 Sep 2013)". Songkick.com. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  8. Murphy, Regina. "TONIGHT: Kelley Hunt returns for benefit concert". Emporia Gazette. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  9. "Home - The Emporia Granada Theatre". Emporiagranada.com. Archived from the original on 11 October 2013.
  10. Regina Murphy. "Juice Newton and Exile perform Sunday". Emporia Gazette. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  11. "Joe Diffie in Emporia". Kvoe.com. Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  12. "Marty Stuart is coming". Emporia Gazette. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  13. Gazette, Melissa Lowery Special to The. "Granada Theatre Brings Classic Country Music Concert Series to Emporia". Emporia Gazette. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
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