 PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Mr. Abraham came to
Killis Almond and Associates Inc. through a recommendation
from the Texas Historical Commission. His goal was to
rehabilitate the old 1909 Palace Theater (originally called
the Past Time Theater and later the Queen Theater) into a
theater that would reflect the 1932 period following a major
fire. He requested an Art Deco theater be constructed inside
the shell of this existing movie house that was extensively
remodeled subsequent to a second fire in 1957. The project
was completed as a "fast-track" so that the design of the
theater and the uses of the adjacent retail spaces could be
configured for the expansion of the lobby.
 The Palace Theater was
to be rehabilitated into a modern movie house with an
historic feel of the late 1920s and early 1930s. The cinema
itself was to be a THX-certified movie house that met a STC
rating of 68 and all of the requirements of the THX
corporate office. The front façade had been altered circa
1932 and the original rental spaces on either side of the
theater entry were available to provide ADA accessibility,
concession area and ADA restrooms. An historic Palace neon
sign was acquired, totally restored and placed on the
building. The front façade was restored to its profile circa
1909 and new entryways were built along with a new ticket
booth (the original had been removed in the 1950s). A new
canopy was constructed and sidewalk modifications were made
to meet ADA requirements.
The auditorium
interior was entirely rehabilitated and an Art Deco design
was created to give an historic ambiance to this space. A
completely new THX surround sound system was added and a
larger screen was installed for modern presentation of
wide-screen cinema.
 Mr. Abraham purchased
historic Art Deco light fixtures and other decorative arts
and signage for the interior of the building. This was
incorporated into the design so that the colors and finishes
of the auditorium complimented these antiques. The
acoustical properties of the room were carefully analyzed
and absorptive materials were installed that maintained the
historic theme allowing the room to meet THX requirements.
Upon completion, the auditorium space tested at a STC of 69
(with 68 being the minimum requirement). By exceeding the
THX requirements, the building now carries certification and
is the only movie house in the Texas Panhandle that meets
these requirements.
Since the completion
of the Palace Theater, the areas along Canadian's Main
Street have evolved to include a deli/soda fountain, an art
gallery, and a new steak house. The Texas Department of
Transportation has agreed to spend $2.2 million in the city
to return the state highway into a brick street with modern
sidewalks, historic representation lighting, and underground
utilities.
The vision for
creating a wonderful cinema environment for the people of
the northeastern Panhandle area has broadened into the
rehabilitation of an entire town of approximately 3,000
residents. The Palace Theater continues to operate all week
long, the video/DVD rental space in the basement is very
successful, and the downtown continues its rejuvenation
based on the vision of one individual |