The Grand (Ellsworth, Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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The Grand
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 Location in Maine
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| Location | 163, 165, 167, 169, & 173 Main St., Ellsworth, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1938 |
| Built by | William McPherson |
| Architect | Krokyn & Browne |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 12000452 |
| Added to NRHP | August 1, 2012 |
The Grand is a cool performing arts center located on Main Street in Ellsworth, Maine. It was built in 1938 and is a great example of Art Deco architecture. This style is known for its fancy designs, like the theater's big sign and its unique tower made of steel and glass. The Grand was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 2012, which means it's an important historical building.
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What is The Grand Today?
The Grand is run by a non-profit group called Hancock County Auditorium Associates. Their goal is to bring people together through art, fun, and learning. They show movies, host live plays, and even broadcast live shows from famous places like The Metropolitan Opera in New York and the National Theatre in London. It's a place where artists and audiences can grow and connect.
How Was The Grand Built?
Ellsworth had a big fire in 1933 that destroyed many businesses, including the city's first movie theater, the Bijou. The Grand was built in 1938 as part of the city's plan to rebuild. It was designed by architects Krokyn & Brown from Boston.
The building is made of brick and has a single story at the front. It includes five small shop spaces and a two-story auditorium at the back. When it first opened, the auditorium could hold 730 people and was used for showing movies.
What Does The Grand Look Like?
The front of The Grand is very interesting. There are five shop spaces, with two on the left of the theater entrance and three on the right. Each shop has a recessed entrance with large windows. The shops are connected by brick designs above their doors.
The main entrance to the theater has shiny black glass and polished granite on either side. These areas have display cases where you can see posters for upcoming shows. The entrance leads into a large lobby.
Above the entrance is a large, stylish marquee with the theater's name in big letters. Behind the marquee, there's a stepped tower made of black and red glass with shiny stainless steel lines. This design is a classic example of Art Deco style.
Inside The Grand
When you step inside, you enter a large lobby. This area has concession stands where you can buy snacks and drinks. The ceiling tiles in the lobby have patterns that match the outside of the building. The walls are decorated with gold Art Deco designs.
The gold Art Deco style continues into the main auditorium. This is where the movies are shown and live performances take place.
The Grand's History as an Entertainment Spot
The Grand was a movie theater from 1938 until 1962. In 1975, a non-profit group bought the theater and reopened it. Since then, it has become a popular place for many different events. It hosts live plays, music concerts, and even broadcasts of operas.
When the non-profit group took over, they made some changes. They reduced the number of seats to 480 to make space for a stage. This allowed The Grand to host more live performances. In 2012, it was officially recognized for its unique architecture and its long history as a major entertainment spot in the area.
Images for kids
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The Grand's front entrance and marquee.
