Capital Theater (Ely, Nevada)

The Capital Theater in Ely, Nevada was built in 1916 by C.O. Fleming and W.P. Hull.[3] The building began as a vaudeville hall that hosted a diverse range of live entertainment, including acrobats, comedians, lecturers, and magicians. The building reopened as a cinema in 1923, at a time when films were becoming popular. The theater closed in 1963.[4] The building's style represents a possible reconstruction after a 1929 fire, and might best be described as Spanish Colonial Revival. The theater's design was carried out by the owners.[3]

Capital Theater
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Capital Theater in 2014
Location	464–468 Aultman St., Ely, Nevada[1]
Coordinates	39°14′53.3″N 114°53′36.3″W
Built	1916
Architect	Fleming, C.O.; Hull, Percy W.
Architectural style	Mission/Spanish Revival
NRHP reference No.	93000692
Added to NRHP	August 05, 1993[2]

The tall brick exterior's lower portion, which houses the retail stores, has been altered, but the upper two thirds remain as built with a scalloped parapet. The interior was remodeled in the Art Deco style in 1938, shortly after the Hull brothers' other theater, the Central Theater, was completed in the same style.[3][5]

The Capital was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.[2] Brothers Brad and Chris Lani, local residents originally from Hawaii, purchased the theater from owner Norm Goeringer in December 2004.[6] In January 2007, the Lanis announced plans to renovate the building and reopen it as a multi-purpose theater for films, concerts, and theatrical performances. The building was found to be in excellent condition following an inspection. At the time, the building was occupied by Herline Jewelry and Fantasy Fast Photo.[4]

References

1. Addresses 464, 466, and 468 can be seen on the three businesses occupying the building in 2014 photo.
2. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
3. James, Ron; McFadden, Michelle (May 1993). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Capital Theater". National Park Service. Retrieved 2009-05-22.
4. Herndon, Rudy (2007-01-26). "A Tale of Two Theaters: Lani brothers have big plans for Ely theatre" (PDF). The Ely Times. Retrieved 2016-11-18.
5. James, Ron; McFadden, Michelle (May 1993). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Central Theater". National Park Service. Retrieved 2009-05-22.
6. "'Couple of Hawaiian guys' from Ely to open Maggie's in Mr. G's". The Ely Times. 2006-03-24. Retrieved 2017-05-10 – via NewsBank.