Between February and July of 2018, Rex Theatre underwent construction, where the building was restored with several original features. That includes art deco interior, where the original horsehair plaster was refurbished, and a replica awning, redone after a 1930s picture. The building received a new roof, structural upgrades, and reopening the front walkway space, as well as the main theatre space’s balcony. (In the 1980s, it had been closed off and turned into a second screening area, allowing two movies to be shown at the same time.)
Located at 519 Court, construction on the Rex took place between 1916 and 1920, while it’s believed the address was home to open-air performances up until 1908. As early as 1911, the Rex Theatre name was used, with the business two doors east at 527 Court, which was erected in 1900.
Movies were shown at the Rex for more than a century, from Go And Get It, premiering November 9, 1920 through 2013. Films resumed once the theatre’s remodel was complete the summer of 2018.
During the remodel process, other original pieces were found, including actual film reels that were in the Rex’s basement, and shadow boxes for posters that read “Now Showing” and “Upcoming.” The boxes were found in a local home and restored to the location.
In addition, the bathrooms were enlarged by taking space from the former attached alcoves, which once served as small business rentals for a barber, shoe shiner on the west side, and an insurance office within the east window.
The building also hosts three separate basements, two small under each former business, and a main, large basement under the theatre. It is used for storage and opened up annually for the Haunted Rex fundraiser for CCCHS drama students.
From the exterior, the theatre portion of the building can be seen towering over its neighbors. The Rex was built as a full-working stage with catwalks, vertical backdrop storage, and primitive rungs for stage hands to climb for the high up work.
An original backdrop still remains overhead for safe keeping, said theatre manager, Renee Langvardt. It holds signatures of former cast mates and the theatre has pictures where its design was used.
“It’s more than 100 years old,” she said. “It’s just very fragile.”
It was painted by a famous landscape artist from California. Langvardt said it was formerly displayed, but it was put away in order to protect it during kid-friendly events.
Beside the movie screen hangs large, thick black curtains made of wool. They absorb sound and light to keep the theatre as dark and quiet as possible. However, that portion of the building does not have insulation, Langvardt said. The thick curtains also help control the temperature, though they can be seen moving indoors during high winds.
The original seats were made of turquoise metal with patterned fabric seats. Original pieces are displayed outside under the awning.
