Shoppers downtown on Pike and Pine will often look up, vexed, seeing a building that just doesn’t quite fit in with the ultra modern surroundings. This anachronism is the Coliseum Theatre on
500 Pike St. Built in 1916 by famed Seattle architect B. Marcus Priteca for real estate mogul Joseph Gottstein, this beautiful building served as a movie theatre along with retail at street level. You may already know Priteca’s work, having designed a number of famous theaters such as Seattle’s Orpheum and many Pantages Theaters. The Coliseum’s white glazed terra-cotta really has to be seen in person to fully appreciate. Check it out next time you’re across the street at the Diesel store paying $200 for a pair of jeans. Oh my. I digress; anyway, the building was shut down in 1990 and today
houses a Banana Republic store.
Check out
this page that has some 16mm shots taken before it was closed and converted. And now for the hi-res images of what remains today. Click on the images for a better look:
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Coliseum Theater perspective drawing by B. Marcus Priteca. Notice the original version of the grand entrance. Courtesy Richard F. McCann Collection.
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The building today, in the same view as the sketch was done. The site now houses a Banana Republic store.
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The entrance to the building. Though the original canopy entry is gone, this area of the building is still breath-taking.
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South face of the building. You can see the extensive detail work in the terra-cotta.
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Even more terra-cotta trim and detail on the southeast side of the building. The contrast here is with the modern building to the east.
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Another take on the retail window displays, which was designed into the original theater.
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Employees can still see a little of the balcony and maybe down to where the screen was. I saw a story on Evening Magazine or some Seattle show where they showed what was left after it was turned into a store. Thanks.
I wondered what this building used to be – thanks! I think your site is fantastic and I always look forward to your next post – keep up the good work!
Todd: Cool information. Next time I’m around there I will have to ask a manager if I can sneak back there with my camera.
Kate: Thanks, glad you’re enjoying the blog. And here I thought Shipley and Todd were the only 2 readers!
Cliffe
HistoryLink have an essay about the theater – and some interesting pics from various points in its history – here. Puget Sound Theater Organ Society (never knew one existed, myself) also have some great photos here – apparently the Wurlitzer organ console ended up in a home in Ohio. Another intersting note from that site: “During an extensive remodeling, the original terra cotta exterior was restored and the sloped theatre floor, proscenium and entire balcony were preserved. The possibility exists that a future tenant could restore the theatre to its original purpose.”
And if you’re interested in the history of Seattle’s theaters, check out Seattle Architecture Foundation’s downtown walking tour That’s Entertainment: Movie Places and More! – which is on four more times this year.
“The possibility exists that a future tenant could restore the theatre to its original purpose.”
Now that would be incredible. I’d have no problem saying goodbye to Banana Republic
Good call on the links!
Cliffe
Check out cinematreasures.org for more info on this theater and many more in the US.
Wow! That is one of my favorite old buildings in Seattle (minus the B.R.).
Thank you for the insights to the Seattle Theatres and info on the architectural tours. I am looking forward to experiencing the theatre tour first hand.
Question: Where was the Music box Theater? I thought that it use to be up from the Coliseum on Pike street, where the CVB is now. Is that correct? Where can I go to locate the Music box information? Thank you.
The Music Box is, sadly, gone….mostly. Some of the exterior details are unceremoniously perched within the City Center shopping center downtown. See here: http://www.cinematour.com/picview.php?db=us&id=24755
Bookmarked, great stuff