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Show 1 Original Grandeur Planned for Theater Demolition work on the old which will Capitol theater become Salt Lake Citys new Bicentennial arts center performing will be completed in about a month. And then, reported architect Steven T. Baird, we can start to rebuild it to its original grandeur. The theater, built in 1913, is expected to be restored in Mr. Baird about a year, reported. He said most of the original ornamental work can be preserved, although many of the old terra cotta pieces will have to be replaced. Mr. Baird said the restoration work was a real comHe said to plex project. secure easements, etc., 12 different adjacent property owners had to be consulted. Workers also ran into underground power lines, of which Mr Baird said some would have to be moved. Another great challenge Mr. in the restoration, Baird went on, is to find and special toartisans do the work. craftsmen Mr. Baird said that all the original grandeur and historical character of the theater that the public sees will be retained, such as the lobby, auditorium, etc. In other areas, which are not seen, like heating and plumbing facilities, the most modem materials will be used. As part of the restoration, the stage will be enlarged 11 feet in depth and 20 feet in width, making a superstage of 50 feet by 98 feet. Bids for new theater equip- ment was opened on April 5. Bids for all other phases of the work are scheduled to be opened on April 19, reported Mr. Baird. The theater, originally called the Orpheum Theater, was built for vaudeville, and was designed by G. Albert Lansburgh, San Francisco architect, who also designed the Orpheum theaters in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Kansas City. The theater was constructed of concrete, steel and brick, a major innovative accomplishment in those days and making it one of the first fireproof buildings in the city. A Salt Lake newspaper account of the new theater on Aug. 2, 1913 reported, It is declared to be the safest theater in the United States, from an exit standpoint and from the construction basis; according to the recent public tests made by the contractors, it is one of the soundest built edifices in the country. The theaters exterior consisted of tapestry brick and polychrome terra cotta, which was new in Salt Lake City. The building was of modem Italian renaissance architecture, according to the newspaper account of its completion. The color scheme was French grey and gold. The gold, reported the newsis subdued with paper, French lacquers in blue and mulberry which artistically merge into the gold. Save for the handsome the article candelabrae, continued, which surmount the boxes on either side of the stage, the lighting The Orpheum, Theater, later named the Capitol Theater, was Salt Lake's finest when built in 1913. Facade shows workmanship of early artisans. Much of the facade can be restored. Minute details show craftmanship of early builders. is comprised scheme throughout of masked lights affording a happy and novel innovation. The ceiling and dome are lighted by concealed lights backed by mirrors. While there is not a lamp in sight the entire auditorium is flooded with soft rays that are both restful and pleasing. In point of architecture, appointments, size, and all the latest improvements, Salt Lake can now truthfully boast of having one of the finest theaters in America, the newspaper reported The name of the theater was changed to the Capitol in 1927 when it became part of the Louis Marcus Enterprises. Originally built at a cost of $250,000, the theater was sold by the Salt Lake Orpheum Realty Co. for $300,000. It was closed for three months that year for redecoration and rebuilding. A newspaper account of the opening said the street in front of the theater was for the dedicathronged tion, despite a heavy rain storm. al The paper said it was more that just the opening of a new showhouse in Salt Lake, but it was the beginning of a new era of theatrical entertainment vivid, colorful and exotic. And now, the curtain has come down on the old Capitol Theater, and soon a new era of performing arts will be center stage in the historical theater which for more than 60 years provided Utahns with the best in How to earn the look of love. In just a few months The Bryman School can prepare you for a rewarding career as a medical tissistant, dental assistant or medical office manager Then you could he the one to change a little hovs fear to the look of love Write now for our free illustrated brochure Learning To Work In A Doctors World It could he the most meaningful thing v six function digital watch, from Omega with Matching bracelet. I Uillllil III" .1 limn U il .11 ilin J C.ll CL Ill'll iIliI c im 'Lilli in i loin liu 350 Mi" Mi. I'M hi. Iuii Salt Lake mill ever do THE BRYMAS SCHOOL 415 S 5rd East Street, Salt I.ake City, Utah 84111 Telephone (801)521-283- 0 A medical world in itself. Salt Lake City The April 17, 1977 a |