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| The front of the screen included a small stage where a number of prominent African-American performers appeared including jazz trumpeter ], comedian ], and jazz singer ]. Professional baseball player ] and his team members competed in a quiz show at the Gem in front of hundreds of African-American children.<ref name="McGunnigle1">{{cite web |url=https://countryroadsmagazine.com/cuisine/zony-mash-brewery-gem-theatre/ |title=The Stage is Set at Zony Mash |last=McGunnigle |first=Nora |date=November 22, 2019 |website=] |publication-place=St. Francisville, Louisiana |access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref> | The front of the screen included a small stage where a number of prominent African-American performers appeared including jazz trumpeter ], comedian ], and jazz singer ]. Professional baseball player ] and his team members competed in a quiz show at the Gem in front of hundreds of African-American children.<ref name="McGunnigle1">{{cite web |url=https://countryroadsmagazine.com/cuisine/zony-mash-brewery-gem-theatre/ |title=The Stage is Set at Zony Mash |last=McGunnigle |first=Nora |date=November 22, 2019 |website=] |publication-place=St. Francisville, Louisiana |access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref> | ||
| As a result of new competition with recently desegregated theaters downtown, the Gem closed in 1960. Radio station ] bought it later that year for $65,000 to convert it into a studio, but those plans never materialized. Meyer's Auto Parts later bought the building and added a storefront facing Broad Street, using the theater space as a warehouse.<ref name=Ensslen/> ] damaged the structure in 2005.<ref name=Miller/> The building sat vacant and |
As a result of new competition with recently desegregated theaters downtown, the Gem closed in 1960. Radio station ] bought it later that year for $65,000 to convert it into a studio, but those plans never materialized. Meyer's Auto Parts later bought the building and added a storefront facing Broad Street, using the theater space as a warehouse.<ref name=Ensslen/> ] damaged the structure in 2005.<ref name=Miller/> The building sat vacant and, by 2014, the city scheduled it for demolition.<ref name="McGunnigle2">{{cite web |url=https://nola.eater.com/2016/12/14/13953458/anticipated-brewery-wayward-owl-brewing-opens-new-orleans |title=Inside The Snazzy Historical Renovation of Anticipated Brewery Wayward Owl |last=McGunnigle |first=Nora |date=December 14, 2016 |website=] |publisher=] |publication-place= |access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Fedderly">{{cite web |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/restaurants-in-former-cinemas |title=5 Beautiful Restaurants Set in Former Cinemas |last=Fedderly |first=Eva |website=] |publisher=] |publication-place=New York City |date=September 3, 2018 |access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref> | ||
| In 2011, the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission designated the building as a municipal landmark.<ref name=Miller/> Gregory Ensslen, a local developer, later purchased it with a microbrewery and tap room in mind.<ref name="WWL">{{cite web |url=https://www.wwltv.com/article/features/producers-picks/new-craft-brewery-re-powers-historic-gem-theater/289-327713658 |title=New craft brewery re-powers historic Gem Theater |last= |first= |website=] |publisher=] |publication-place=New Orleans |date=September 30, 2016 |access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref> However, at that time, the zoning laws of New Orleans did not allow such a business outside industrial areas; the city made an exception for microbreweries making less than 12,500 barrels a year.<ref name="Bernstein">{{cite web |url=https://imbibemagazine.com/new-orleans-beer/ |title=How New Orleans Got its Beer-Making Mojo Back |last=Bernstein |first=Joshua M. |website=] |publisher=Imbibe Media |publication-place=Portland, Oregon |date=May 29, 2018 |access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Knapp">{{cite web |url=https://countryroadsmagazine.com/cuisine/zony-mash-brewery-gem-theatre/ |title=Wayward Owl Brewing Is Heading to Future Epicenter of Hotness Central City |last=Knapp |first=Gwendolyn |date=May 20, 2015 |website=Eater New Orleans |publisher=Vox Media |publication-place= |access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref> | In 2011, the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission designated the building as a municipal landmark.<ref name=Miller/> Gregory Ensslen, a local developer, later purchased it with a microbrewery and tap room in mind.<ref name="WWL">{{cite web |url=https://www.wwltv.com/article/features/producers-picks/new-craft-brewery-re-powers-historic-gem-theater/289-327713658 |title=New craft brewery re-powers historic Gem Theater |last= |first= |website=] |publisher=] |publication-place=New Orleans |date=September 30, 2016 |access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref> However, at that time, the zoning laws of New Orleans did not allow such a business outside industrial areas; the city made an exception for microbreweries making less than 12,500 barrels a year.<ref name="Bernstein">{{cite web |url=https://imbibemagazine.com/new-orleans-beer/ |title=How New Orleans Got its Beer-Making Mojo Back |last=Bernstein |first=Joshua M. |website=] |publisher=Imbibe Media |publication-place=Portland, Oregon |date=May 29, 2018 |access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Knapp">{{cite web |url=https://countryroadsmagazine.com/cuisine/zony-mash-brewery-gem-theatre/ |title=Wayward Owl Brewing Is Heading to Future Epicenter of Hotness Central City |last=Knapp |first=Gwendolyn |date=May 20, 2015 |website=Eater New Orleans |publisher=Vox Media |publication-place= |access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref> | ||
| Wayward Owl Brewing opened in 2016, but left the building two years later with plans to brew elsewhere.<ref name="Carter">{{cite web |url=https://nola.eater.com/2018/10/8/17950978/wayward-owl-gem-theater-central-city-new-orleans-nola |title=Wayward Owl Brewing Co. Will Close in the Historic Gem Theater |last=Carter |first=Stephanie |date=October 8, 2018 |website=Eater New Orleans |publisher=Vox Media |publication-place= |access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref> In 2019, the Zony Mash Beer Experience opened in the space also as a microbrewery, with live entertainment, food trucks, beer garden and tap room, which can only sell the beer made on site.<ref name="Friedman">{{cite web |url=https://www.theadvocate.com/gambit/new_orleans/food_drink/zony-mash-brewery-to-open-in-former-wayward-owl-spot-in-central-city-in-october/article_26a74dd4-cf4b-11e9-a1eb-2b97c9635219.html |title=Zony Mash brewery to open in former Wayward Owl spot in Central City in October |last=Friedman |first=Rebecca |website=] |publisher=Georges Media |publication-place=Baton Rouge, Louisiana |date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2024 |url-access=limited}}</ref> The business is named after the '']'' album by ], a local funk band.<ref name="McNulty1"></ref> | Wayward Owl Brewing opened in 2016, but left the building two years later with plans to brew elsewhere.<ref name="Carter">{{cite web |url=https://nola.eater.com/2018/10/8/17950978/wayward-owl-gem-theater-central-city-new-orleans-nola |title=Wayward Owl Brewing Co. Will Close in the Historic Gem Theater |last=Carter |first=Stephanie |date=October 8, 2018 |website=Eater New Orleans |publisher=Vox Media |publication-place= |access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref> In 2019, the Zony Mash Beer Experience opened in the space also as a microbrewery, with live entertainment, food trucks, beer garden and tap room, which can only sell the beer made on site.<ref name="Friedman">{{cite web |url=https://www.theadvocate.com/gambit/new_orleans/food_drink/zony-mash-brewery-to-open-in-former-wayward-owl-spot-in-central-city-in-october/article_26a74dd4-cf4b-11e9-a1eb-2b97c9635219.html |title=Zony Mash brewery to open in former Wayward Owl spot in Central City in October |last=Friedman |first=Rebecca |website=] |publisher=Georges Media |publication-place=Baton Rouge, Louisiana |date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2024 |url-access=limited}}</ref> The business is named after the '']'' album by ], a local funk band.<ref name="McNulty1">{{cite web |url=https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/eat-drink/zony-mash-beer-project-brings-eclectic-brews-events-to-old-new-orleans-cinema/article_80c66942-d8c6-11e9-8f94-bfe128ea5215.html |title=Zony Mash Beer Project brings eclectic brews, events to old New Orleans cinema |last=McNulty |first=Ian |website=] |publisher=] |date=September 17, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2024 |url-access=limited}}</ref> | ||
| == Architecture == | == Architecture == | ||
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| Prominent local architects ] and ] designed the building in 1948. They previously worked on designing ] and the new ].<ref name=McGunnigle1/> | Prominent local architects ] and ] designed the building in 1948. They previously worked on designing ] and the new ].<ref name=McGunnigle1/> | ||
| The building style has been alternately described as ], ], and ].<ref name=Ensslen/><ref name=Miller/> Prior to restoration, the building survived prolonged periods of neglect but survived thanks to sturdy masonry construction and deep foundation ].<ref name= |
The building style has been alternately described as ], ], and ].<ref name=Ensslen/><ref name=Miller/> Prior to restoration, the building survived prolonged periods of neglect but survived thanks to sturdy masonry construction and deep foundation ].<ref name=Fedderly/><ref name=Bernstein/> | ||
| The two-story brick building sits on a cement foundation with a ] front. That facade includes yellow and maroon tiles along the base, raised vertical bands on the middle portion, and ] along the roofline. A recessed central ] includes three doors on each side of where a box office once stood. On each side of the entrance are three movie poster openings. | The two-story brick building sits on a cement foundation with a ] front. That facade includes yellow and maroon tiles along the base, raised vertical bands on the middle portion, and ] along the roofline. A recessed central ] includes three doors on each side of where a box office once stood. On each side of the entrance are three movie poster openings. | ||
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| == See also == | == See also == | ||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | * ] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:46, 14 December 2024
Historic movie theater building in New Orleans Building with restored marquee in 2017 | |
| Address | 3940 Thalia Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70125 |
|---|---|
| Type | Movie theater |
| Capacity | 1,000 |
| Current use | Microbrewery, beer garden, and event space |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1951 |
| Closed | 1960 |
| Reopened | 2016 (Adaptive reuse) |
| Website | |
| Gem Theater | |
| U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
  Show map of Louisiana Show map of the United States | |
| Coordinates | 29°57′08″N 90°05′51″W / 29.95222°N 90.09750°W / 29.95222; -90.09750 |
| Area | Broadmoor, New Orleans |
| Built by | Bijou Amusement Company |
| Architect | Felix Julius Dreyfous and Solis Seiferth |
| Architectural firm | Dreyfous and Seiferth |
| Architectural style | Modern Movement, Art Moderne, Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 15001002 |
| Added to NRHP | January 26, 2016 |
The Gem Theater is a historic African American movie theater building in the Broadmoor neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. The National Register of Historic Places listed the 1951 building which now houses the Zony Mash Beer Project.
History
The Gem was conceived in 1948 by the Bijou Amusement Company of Memphis, Tennessee and opened in 1951. Having a theater specifically for African-American residents in their own neighborhood meant that customers weren't relegated to one section with inferior amenities, like in segregated theaters that were ubiquitous at the time. The business plan especially called for serving tenants of the nearby B.W. Cooper Housing Development.
The front of the screen included a small stage where a number of prominent African-American performers appeared including jazz trumpeter Avery "Kid" Howard, comedian Onnie "Lollypop" Jones, and jazz singer Alton Purnell. Professional baseball player Roy "Campy" Campanella and his team members competed in a quiz show at the Gem in front of hundreds of African-American children.
As a result of new competition with recently desegregated theaters downtown, the Gem closed in 1960. Radio station WBOK bought it later that year for $65,000 to convert it into a studio, but those plans never materialized. Meyer's Auto Parts later bought the building and added a storefront facing Broad Street, using the theater space as a warehouse. Hurricane Katrina damaged the structure in 2005. The building sat vacant and, by 2014, the city scheduled it for demolition.
In 2011, the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission designated the building as a municipal landmark. Gregory Ensslen, a local developer, later purchased it with a microbrewery and tap room in mind. However, at that time, the zoning laws of New Orleans did not allow such a business outside industrial areas; the city made an exception for microbreweries making less than 12,500 barrels a year.
Wayward Owl Brewing opened in 2016, but left the building two years later with plans to brew elsewhere. In 2019, the Zony Mash Beer Experience opened in the space also as a microbrewery, with live entertainment, food trucks, beer garden and tap room, which can only sell the beer made on site. The business is named after the Zony Mash album by The Meters, a local funk band.
Architecture
Prominent local architects Felix Julius Dreyfous and Solis Seiferth designed the building in 1948. They previously worked on designing Charity Hospital and the new Louisiana State Capitol.
The building style has been alternately described as Modern Movement, Art Moderne, and Art Deco. Prior to restoration, the building survived prolonged periods of neglect but survived thanks to sturdy masonry construction and deep foundation pilings.
The two-story brick building sits on a cement foundation with a stucco front. That facade includes yellow and maroon tiles along the base, raised vertical bands on the middle portion, and steps along the roofline. A recessed central bay includes three doors on each side of where a box office once stood. On each side of the entrance are three movie poster openings.
The exterior is dominated by a large polygonal aluminum marquee projecting from the building with two "GEM" neon signs. The original blue signs were lost but were reproduced based on memories of residents since only black and white photographs were available.
In the interior, none of the original seating, flooring, or ceiling remain due to water damage and neglect. Part of what makes the Gem distinctive is the lack of features common in segregated theaters of the period: there is no separate ticket booth with stairs bypassing the main lobby leading to the upper balcony with fewer amenities.
The intact second floor mezzanine, which previously included the projector room, is now rented for private events. While the Wayward Owl ran the brewing equipment prominently down the center of the interior, Zony Mash reconfigured the interior layout to create a large open space for events.
See also
- List of breweries in Louisiana
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Orleans Parish, Louisiana
References
- ^ Ensslen, Greg (November 2015). "National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form: Gem Theater". National Register of Historic Places. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service. Retrieved December 13, 2024 – via Louisiana Office of Cultural Development.
- ^ Miller, Maryann (December 5, 2016). "A Gleaming Gem". Preservation in Print. New Orleans: Preservation Resource Center. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ McGunnigle, Nora (November 22, 2019). "The Stage is Set at Zony Mash". Country Roads Magazine. St. Francisville, Louisiana. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- McGunnigle, Nora (December 14, 2016). "Inside The Snazzy Historical Renovation of Anticipated Brewery Wayward Owl". Eater New Orleans. Vox Media. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ Fedderly, Eva (September 3, 2018). "5 Beautiful Restaurants Set in Former Cinemas". Architectural Digest. New York City: Condé Nast. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- "New craft brewery re-powers historic Gem Theater". WWL-TV. New Orleans: Tegna Inc. September 30, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ Bernstein, Joshua M. (May 29, 2018). "How New Orleans Got its Beer-Making Mojo Back". Imbibe Magazine. Portland, Oregon: Imbibe Media. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- Knapp, Gwendolyn (May 20, 2015). "Wayward Owl Brewing Is Heading to Future Epicenter of Hotness Central City". Eater New Orleans. Vox Media. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- Carter, Stephanie (October 8, 2018). "Wayward Owl Brewing Co. Will Close in the Historic Gem Theater". Eater New Orleans. Vox Media. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ Friedman, Rebecca (September 4, 2019). "Zony Mash brewery to open in former Wayward Owl spot in Central City in October". The Advocate. Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Georges Media. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ McNulty, Ian (September 17, 2019). "Zony Mash Beer Project brings eclectic brews, events to old New Orleans cinema". NOLA.com. The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- McNulty, Ian (October 7, 2018). "Wayward Owl Brewing looking for new nest, taproom has closed". NOLA.com. New Orleans: The Times-Picayune. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
External links
| U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
|---|---|
| Topics | |
| Lists by state |
|
| Lists by insular areas | |
| Lists by associated state | |
| Other areas | |
| Related | |
- African-American history in New Orleans
- Historically African-American theaters and music venues
- African-American cinema
- Cinemas and movie theaters in Louisiana
- National Register of Historic Places in New Orleans
- Theatres on the National Register of Historic Places in Louisiana
- Theatres completed in 1951
- 1951 establishments in Louisiana
- 1960 disestablishments in Louisiana
- Modern Movement architecture in the United States
- Art Moderne architecture
- Art Deco architecture in Louisiana
- Former cinemas in the United States
- Drinking establishments in New Orleans
- Event venues on the National Register of Historic Places in Louisiana
- Theatres in New Orleans