The historic Blackstone-State Theater in South Bend, Indiana will be auctioned off this month. The current owner, nonprofit religious group, Way of Life, purchased it three years ago and have since spent a reported $300,000 on renovations. The group has suffered in the present economic downturn and is looking to sell the property in an online auction.The building, located at 212 S. Michigan Street, is a landmark in downtown South Bend. Built in 1921, this classical revival style theater was designed by Harry Newhouse. It is on the National Historic Register (#85001204)
The theater boasts some famous scars from bullet holes left during the 1934 shootout following John Dillinger's last bank heist from a bank down the street.
The current owners have created a video tour of the inside of the building. For the video and more information, go to http://www.publicenemies.us/?page_id=12
I got my first job at the State Theater at the age of 16 back in 1951,as an usher. Later I became Chief of Service. I have fond memories of the long hours working there. I see the old marqui and vertical STATE sign have been replaced. I'm very glad it has been preserved.
ReplyDeletePlease contact me about your memories of the State Theatre, we are holding a class on it's restoration.
DeleteNeal Vogel
Restori, LLC
What ever happened with the auction?
ReplyDelete