Historic Name

Warner Theatre

Address

811 State Street

Municipality

City of Erie

Tax Parcel

15020001020100

Historic District

Classification

Class 1 (Definitions of Classes)

State Key Number

50941

Historic Function

Recreation and Culture - theater

Style

Built

1931

Architect

Builder

Barn Type on property

Last Entry Update

8/2/2016

The Warner Theater opened in 1931 as a motion picture and live performance theatre, featuring travelling vaudeville shows in its early years of operation. Accommodating 2,500 patrons, the theatre was designed by C.W. and George Rapp, theatre architects that designed the Ambassador in St. Louis, MO, the Paramount in New York, NY, and the Shea in Buffalo, NY from 1921 to 1931. The building was commissioned by the Pennsylvania Theater Company, a subsidiary of the Warner Brothers, which has become the world’s largest producers of film and television entertainment. For a period of time, the Warner Theatre served as the district headquarters for the Warner Brothers company. Due to its association with the company, the theatre was lavishly and ornately designed, costing $1.5 million to construct.

Besides showcasing motion pictures and live performances in the 1940s, the Warner Theatre showed cartoons every Saturday beginning at 10 AM. On one particular Saturday, the Warner showed seventeen cartoons for only a quarter – plus tax. Cartoons such as Bugs Bunny, Little Lulu, Daffy Duck and Tom and Jerry were typically shown to audiences. The Warner Theatre primarily showcased live performances in proceeding decades. Currently, the theatre hosts various performances by the Erie Philharmonic, Erie Civic Ballet Company, and Erie’s Broadway Theatre League. Internationally recognized comedians and artists also have been featured at the Warner Theatre.

In 1977, the theatre was purchased by the state to protect the site from demolition. In 1982, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Funding for the theatre’s restoration began in the 1990s, and by 2002, the project had accumulated enough funds to begin Phase I. In 2016, the final restoration stage, Phase IV, is being planned. Since 2002, the theatre’s interior has been restored, new seating has been installed, and the theatre has been expanded to 8th and French streets. Phase IV will include expanding the theatre’s stage, constructing a new stage house, buying new technology equipment, and adding final details to the interior. The Warner Theatre will continue to stand and operate as a house of entertainment in the City of Erie, hosting live performances from local artists as well as world- renowned entertainers.

Sources:

Warner Theatre National Register nomination

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Submitted information is reviewed by Preservation Erie prior to updating the database.

Photo courtesy, Erie County Assessment Office