Mesa Theatre
Grand Junction, CO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Mesa Theatre has been a fixture along Main Street in downtown Grand Junction for years. Located in the heart of the city, the venue remains one of the Western Slope's best-known entertainment destinations. While the building has evolved over time, it continues to draw crowds looking for a night out downtown. 09-06
Today, the Mesa Theatre operates as a live music and entertainment venue, hosting everything from local bands and touring musicians to comedians and special events. Its location in the middle of Grand Junction's revitalized downtown district has helped keep it an important part of the area's nightlife and arts scene.
UPDATE: The Mesa Theatre remains open and active as the Mesa Theater & Club. The venue continues to host a steady lineup of concerts and events throughout the year while maintaining its longtime presence on Main Street. Though the building has seen updates over the years, including the marquee removing the letters you see in the photo around 2018, it remains a familiar landmark for anyone spending time in downtown Grand Junction. 06-26
Lincoln Theatre
Cheyenne, WY Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Lincoln Theatre is one of downtown Cheyenne's most recognizable landmarks. Located just a short distance from the route of the historic Lincoln Highway, this grand Art Deco movie palace has been a fixture in the Wyoming capital since 1928. The theater's neon marquee, added in the early 1950s, has spent decades lighting up Central Avenue and remains one of the city's best-known vintage signs. 09-06
Built during the transition from silent films to talking pictures, the Lincoln Theatre entertained generations of Cheyenne residents with movies, special events, and community gatherings. Its classic architecture and prominent downtown location helped make it one of the city's premier entertainment destinations for much of the 20th century.
UPDATE: While the Lincoln Theatre is no longer showing movies, the building has found an impressive second life. Following an extensive renovation, the historic venue reopened as The Lincoln, a live music and entertainment hall that regularly hosts national touring acts, comedians, and special events. The theater's historic exterior, including its iconic marquee, remains intact and continues to be a centerpiece of downtown Cheyenne. 06-26
Fox
Theatre (Closed)
Trinidad, CO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
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Theatre remains one of the grand landmarks of downtown Trinidad. Originally opened in 1908 as West's Theatre, and sometimes referred to as West's Opera House, this impressive building has been entertaining southern Colorado audiences for more than a century. Built by local rancher and businessman Edward West, the theater quickly became one of the region's premier destinations for live entertainment, vaudeville acts, and eventually motion pictures.
Designed by the renowned Rapp & Rapp architectural firm, the theater is notable for being Colorado's only theater built with two balconies. Over the years it welcomed countless performers and audiences through its doors while remaining a centerpiece of downtown Trinidad. The familiar marquee and historic facade continue to make it one of the most recognizable buildings along Main Street. 09-06
UPDATE: After serving generations of moviegoers, the Fox Theatre closed in 2012. Fortunately, the historic building was saved and is now the focus of an ongoing restoration effort led by the Fox West Theatre Alliance and the City of Trinidad. While the theater is not currently operating, preservation work continues with the goal of returning this remarkable landmark to active use while protecting its historic character for future generations. 06-26
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Side of Theatre Showing West Theatre name
Trinidad, CO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Fox Theatre Marquee Photo courtesy Larry Glass
Many thanks to Larry Glass for photo update. 11-07
Gothic Theatre
Englewood, CO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Gothic Theatre is one of the most recognizable landmarks along South Broadway. Opened in 1925, this Art Deco movie house has survived nearly a century of changing tastes, economic ups and downs, and shifting entertainment trends. What immediately catches the eye is the theater's distinctive script lettering across the marquee, a design element that gives the building a personality all its own. Even on a quiet afternoon, the Gothic still looks ready for the next show to begin. 04-09
The theater earned an important place in Colorado entertainment history when it became one of the first theaters in the Denver area to show talking pictures. For decades, moviegoers filled the seats before changing times eventually brought an end to its run as a neighborhood cinema. Despite those challenges, the Gothic remained a familiar fixture along South Broadway and a favorite landmark for generations of local residents.
Gothic Theatre front
Englewood, CO Photo courtesy Larry Glass
UPDATE: Here's a look at the front of the Art Deco Gothic Theatre with its classic design and colors. According to the Gothic Theatre website, the theatre dates back to the roaring Twenties and was the first to show talking pictures in the city. In 1998, the Gothic was saved from the bankruptcy and the possible wrecking ball and was restored back to life. 04-09
UPDATE: The Gothic received a second chance in 1998 when new ownership stepped in and saved the building from possible demolition. Following an extensive restoration, the theater reopened in 1999 as a live music venue. Today, the Gothic Theatre remains one of Colorado's premier concert halls, hosting national touring acts while preserving the historic character that has made it a South Broadway landmark for nearly 100 years. 06-26
Mesa Theatre
Lincoln Theatre
Gothic Theatre
Gothic Theatre front
