Majestic Orpheum Theater

The designers of this French Second Empireinspired theater, Rapp and Rapp, emerged in the 1920s as the architects for opulent theater buildings in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere. The street elevation of the Majestic was that of a richly organized Beaux-Arts design: a large central arched opening flanked by pilasters, and a dormered curved roof with a suggestion of a central pavilion. Originally a discreetly lighted sign hung above the arch and a thin metal marquee extended out to the curb on the street. The auditorium of the theater had two balconies, box seats, and a dress circle gallery. The stage was planned for vaudeville, but later it was used for motion pictures. In the early 1970s the building was rescued from possible demolition and became part of the adjoining Five Flags Center, with its large indoor arena. In 1974 the exterior and interior of the theater were restored.