Mahaiwe Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mahaiwe Block
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main & Castle Sts., Great Barrington, Massachusetts |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1905 |
| NRHP reference No. | 08000898 |
| Added to NRHP | September 12, 2008 |
The Mahaiwe Block is a cool building in the center of Great Barrington, Massachusetts. It's home to shops, businesses, and the amazing Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. This center is the main place in town for live shows and performances. The building has been open almost non-stop since it was built in 1905. You can find it at 6-14 Castle Street and 314-322 Main Street. It's so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Mahaiwe Block got its name from an older building that used to be in the same spot. The owner of that old building called it "Mahaiwe House."
Contents
History of the Mahaiwe Block
The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center first opened its doors in September 1905. Back then, it was a "vaudeville house." This means it showed many different kinds of live acts, like singers, dancers, comedians, and magicians.
From Vaudeville to Movies
In the mid-1920s, the Mahaiwe Block changed. It became a movie theater, showing films instead of live shows. The last company to show new movies there was the Hoyts Theater chain.
Today's Performing Arts Center
Later, the Berkshire Opera Company bought the theater. Today, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center still shows classic films. It also hosts many live performances, bringing music, dance, and theater to the community.
Building Design and Look
The Mahaiwe Block is a large, three-story building. It has long sides facing both Main Street and Castle Street. The outside of the building is made of light-colored brick. It also has fancy marble decorations and a metal design near the roof.
Cool Details of the Building
White marble strips separate each floor of the building. On the Main Street side, you'll see two storefronts for shops. There's also a special entrance in the Art Deco style. This part was added in 1929 when a bank moved into the building.
The Theater Entrance
The Castle Street side has a row of round-arch windows. It also has three more storefronts. This is where you'll find the main entrance to the theater. The theater entrance has three sets of double doors. These doors are under a big, two-story arch.
The Famous Marquee
Above the theater entrance is a large marquee. This big sign was added in 1930. It hangs down and has a fancy, scrolled top. The front of the marquee lights up with the theater's name. Smaller versions of the name are on the sides. These side panels also show what's currently playing at the theater.
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