Tivoli Theatre (Los Angeles)
 | |
| Address | 4217-4219 (renumbered to 4317 in 1939) S. Central Avenue Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34°00′28″N 118°15′23″W / 34.0077°N 118.2565°W |
| Type | Stage and movie theater |
| Capacity | 450 (1926) 873 (1931) |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1921 |
| Renovated | 1931 |
| Demolished | 1971 |
| Architect | Lewis Arthur Smith |
Tivoli Theatre, also known as Bill Robinson Theatre,[1] was a stage and movie theater located at 42nd Street and Central Avenue in Los Angeles, California.
History
[edit]Tivoli Theatre was designed by Lewis Arthur Smith, an architect known for many theaters in southern California, most notably the Vista, El Portal, Highland, Rialto, and Ventura.[2] This theater was built in 1921 at a cost of $65,000 ($1.15 million in 2024).[3][4] Its original address was 4217 South Central Avenue, although the street number was changed to 4219 in 1929.[4] The theater was listed as having a capacity of 450 in 1926.[1]
The theater was broken into in early October 1923; a safe with $1,200 ($22,146 in 2024) was taken.[5]
By 1931, the theater's staff was entirely African American and its patrons mostly the same.[6] The capacity was raised to 873,[1] with the most expensive seats for live shows going for as much as $60 ($1,383 in 2024).[7] In 1937, the theater was renamed Bill Robinson Theatre[1] and in 1939, the theater's street number was changed a second time, to 4317.[4]
The theater was open until at least 1966.[8] The building was damaged during the 1971 Sylmar Earthquake and was demolished later that year.[1]
Architecture and design
[edit]Tivoli Theatre was made of pressed brick with a cast stone facing and featured plate glass windows, reinforced concrete lintels, skylights, marble, and tile.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Gabel, William. "Bill Robinson Theatre". Cinema Treasures. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ Michelson, Alan. "Lewis Arthur Smith (Architect)". University of Washington Pacific Coast Architecture Database. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
- ^ Michelson, Alan. "Tivoli Theatre #4, Los Angeles, CA". University of Washington Pacific Coast Architecture Database. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Stores and Theatre". Southwest Builder & Contractor. August 26, 1921 – via losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/.
- ^ "Burglers Carry Off Safe Holding $1200". Long Beach Telegram. October 9, 1923 – via losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/.
- ^ "More Letters Pour In On Theatre Change". Los Angeles Urban League. January 27, 1931 – via losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/.
- ^ "At The Theatres". California Eagle. May 1932 – via losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/.
- ^ Counter, B. "Bill Robinson Theatre". losangelestheatres.blogspot.com. Retrieved February 21, 2025.