Here's (Almost) Hollywood!

 

After years of planning, fundraising, careful demolition and unexpected COVID delays, the final touches on the Hollywood Theatre’s lower façade restoration are falling into place.

 For the first time since at least 1959, the 96-year-old landmark Northeast Portland theater will finally display a coherent exterior design that closely resembles its 1926 original façade.  A grand re-opening is set for July 17, to include displays of historic photographs, relics salvaged during the remodel and details of the multi-year restoration project.

When will the final touches be finished?  “July 16,” said Virginia Durost, an eternal optimist who is the theater’s facility manager.

 The theater was designed by the Portland firm of Bennes and Herzog.  Bennes is best noted for several buildings on the Oregon State University campus, while Herzog had a hand in designing some other Portland theaters.

 The Hollywood is said to be the last theater in Portland built both for vaudeville and movies.  Its playful tall, narrow, multi-colored terra cotta façade holds a plethora of funky byzantine details guaranteed to attract eyeballs from passersby.  The theater was an obvious expression of East Portland’s inferiority complex when compared with downtown’s upper crust.   While it may never have achieved parity with downtown, it was so notable that the surrounding business community adopted the name, “Hollywood District.”

Grand arch and bas-reliefs over the entry doors

 As frequently occurs when restoring old houses, careful demolition of the non-historic façade uncovered surprises.  One was three bas-reliefs that have been repaired and will glow under new lighting above the front doors.  Another key find was portions of the original terrazzo floor with checkered tile bands that once welcomed visitors as they entered under the marquee.

 The old floor allowed the theater to reproduce and original flooring and colors – while leaving two of the original floor fragments in place.  Demolition also uncovered three locked safes, which, after being hauled out and successfully opened – contained nothing.

A fragment of the original outdoor floor (top of photo) became a template for restoration

 A free-standing ticket booth that once stood near the entry could not be replaced because of modern access requirements.  However, it is remembered by a metallic octagon set into the terrazzo.  “We do not know its original exact dimensions,” Durost said.

 Lower façade details were designed by Paul Falsetto, a Portland architect known for his work on historic properties.  Durost also complimented the work of Architectural Castings Inc., a Portland firm that specializes in reproducing architectural details for historic buildings.

When the remaining architectural details are in place, "going" to the movies at the Hollywood Theatre will be an added pleasure in addition to whatever film awaits inside.  

 -----Fred Leeson

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