Mattoon TheatreThe Mattoon Theatre was known as Kerasotas Cinema 3 before its demise in the late 1990’s. Kerasotas purchased the theatre in 1978 and converted the Balcony into a second theatre. The building to the east was acquired during the 1980's and converted to a third theatre. By the mid 1990’s, Kerasotas had built the Showplace 8 east of town and closed the Mattoon Theatre and the Time Theatre across the street. The Mattoon Theatre was razed to make room for additional parking for Consolidated Services. This makes the Bank building, built in 1971, the only building on this block.
Thanks Mark for this 1995 picture of the Mattoon Theater
Parking as far the eye can see at the Mattoon Theatre site The Mattoon Theatre was built in 1921 at 1421 Broadway. It replaced the Strand Theatre which was in the 1800 block of Broadway. The Mattoon Theatre was equipped with complete stage and orchestra pit. It seated 1000 persons. The building was equipped for sound in 1928. There were four theatres in town at this time. The Bijou, which was later the Clarke, at 1815 Broadway. Upchurch and Associates use this building today. The “K” theatre burned in 1937 and wasn’t replaced. The Grand Theatre at 1416 Broadway was renamed the Time Theatre in 1936. It remains and is on the Top Ten Endangered list. |
