Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center

Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center

Robinson Grand, prior to renovation
Former names	Robinson Grand, Robinson Grand Theater, The Keith Grand, The Rose Garden
Location	444 West Pike Street Clarksburg, West Virginia, United States
Type	Indoor theater
Capacity	1,150
Construction
Broke ground	1912
Built	1913
Opened	February 7, 1913
Renovated	1927, 1939, 2018
Expanded	1927
Website
therobinsongrand.com
Robinson Grand
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
Architect	Holmboe & Lafferty
Architectural style	Gothic Revival
Part of	Clarksburg Downtown Historic District (ID82004794)
Designated CP	February 17, 1982

The Robinson Grand is a historic theater in Clarksburg, West Virginia refurbished into a modern performing arts and education center with seating for 950, a ballroom, and classrooms. In 1913, the Robinson Grand Theater was opened in downtown Clarksburg. The Robinson Grand, a pioneer in its era, became the thirteenth theater in the United States to be equipped with sound technology in 1927. During its golden age, it hosted a diverse array of events, including movies, plays, wedding receptions, and the Miss West Virginia Pageant.

Opening and Founders

The theater was the brainchild of the Clarksburg Amusement Company, formed the previous year by several prominent figures:

• Robert Lafferty: President
• Claude Robinson: Vice-president and driving force behind the theater's creation. He moved from New York to West Virginia to oversee its development.
• Charles Alexander: Secretary-treasurer
• Reuben "Rube" Robinson: Manager of the theater

The Robinson brothers, Claude and Rube, were not new to the world of theater. Claude's journey began in Louisville, Kentucky, where he worked his way up from selling programs to managing prestigious theaters in New York City. Rube, initially based in Clarksburg, recognized the city's need for a premier entertainment venue after a fire destroyed the Grand Opera House. He convinced Claude to invest in his vision, leading to the creation of the Robinson Grand. With Claude's leadership and extensive experience, the Robinson Grand quickly became a thriving hub for Clarksburg's cultural life. Rube, meanwhile, shifted his focus to his successful advertising business, leaving Claude to manage the theater's operations.

Original design and early history

The original 1913 theater structure stood proudly, with its entrance 72 feet from the street and a covered walkway leading to its welcoming doors. Designed by Robert Lafferty, president of the Clarksburg Amusement Company, and Ernest C. S. Holmboe, the architect, the theater's architectural style was heavily influenced by the then-existing George M. Cohan's Theatre in New York City.

Robinson Grand Artifacts

The Robinson brothers, Claude and Reuben, played a key role in the design, advocating for a large stage to accommodate future expansion possibilities. A surviving photograph reveals a grand entryway with a distinctive segmented arch parapet, adorned with globe lights and a marquee showcasing current shows. Flanking the entrance were a ticket booth and a wall adorned with poster displays.

The inaugural performance at the Robinson Grand, on February 7, 1913, was a grand affair featuring Frances Starr in "The Case of Becky." As part of the reowned Keith-Albee Vaudeville circuit, the theater had acts like ventriloquist Edgar Bergen with Charlie, Jack Benny, and Amos and Andy.

1927 Remodel

In 1927, the Robinson Grand underwent a significant expansion and remodel under the guidance of architect Ernest C. S. Holmboe. This year also marked the theater's entry into the exciting world of "talkies", becoming the 13th movie theater in the nation to embrace sound technology. Claude Robinson's close friendship with Albert Warner of Warner Bros. played a vital role in securing early access to this groundbreaking technology.

Local media meticulously documented the transformed theater, detailing everything from the vibrant colors of the restrooms to the meticulously designed acoustics and the spacious seating arrangements. The building's footprint expanded to encompass the entire lot, welcoming visitors with a grand canopy marquee proudly displaying "Keith Grand/ Vaudeville/Feature Pictures." This expansion also resulted in a significant increase in seating capacity, accommodating 1,500 patrons compared to the original 1,000. The Neo-Gothic architectural style dominated the exterior, showcasing a prominent trio of Gothic arched windows above the marquee and a mesmerizing vertical buttress effect achieved through terra cotta pilasters and finials. At ground level, the main entrance captivated with a wide Tudor arch, adorned with intricate terra cotta details that included trefoil arches, foliage panels, and coffers. Narrow window panes framed by Moorish arch frames gracefully spanned the storefront transoms, adding to the overall architectural grandeur.

While it lacked the characteristic starry sky ceiling, the interior was lavishly decorated in a 9th century English garden theme. Murals painted throughout the space depicted stone walls, lush greenery, rolling hills, and distant castles.

J.H. Wickstead and William G. Schulte, interior decorators from Louisville, Kentucky, were responsible for this. Unfortunately, information regarding their lives beyond their profession and location remains scarce. The mezzanine level housed a charming "Old English" lounge, reminiscent of cozy manor house rooms. A large wood-burning fireplace, a family crest, and rose and green plasterwork adorned the walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Newspaper descriptions also mentioned a "decorative work made to resemble a huge log" overlooking the lobby, adorned with welcoming flowers that "nodded" to patrons below.

Although still associated with the Keith vaudeville circuit, the late 1920s witnessed a shift in focus, with vaudeville acts evolving into interludes between the main attraction: captivating motion pictures.

1939 Fire

The Robinson Grand faced tragedy on May 31, 1939, when a fire erupted on its roof. The flames, believed to have originated from an air-conditioning repairman's torch, swiftly spread due to dry weather conditions. While the fire ravaged the stage and auditorium, the façade and front portion of the building miraculously remained largely intact.

Claude Robinson made a promise to the residents of Clarksburg: he would rebuild the theater, making it the most modern in the state. The Robinson Grand reopened its doors on December 24, 1939, less than seven months after the fire. This "Christmas gift to Clarksburg," as the theater proudly proclaimed, was met with resounding praise and congratulatory ad campaigns from the involved contractors and suppliers.

The 1939 reconstruction, which stands today, preserved the original 1927 façade while introducing a completely new stage and auditorium designed in the Streamline Moderne style, under the guidance of architect Edward J. Wood. The interior embraced flowing, curvilinear walls adorned with a light-stained wood veneer. Large curved pilasters flanking the proscenium visually extended to the front of the house through an angled recessed wall. Similar vertical elements were used throughout the lobby for aesthetic coherence.

The balcony, another architectural element, featured a solid railing with curved steps at both the top and bottom, clearly delineating the changing levels. The mezzanine offered an open view into the lobby below, illuminated by a large, modern circular chandelier reminiscent of a 1930s microphone. Throughout the auditorium and public spaces, uplights strategically placed in circular recessed ceilings bathed the spaces in soft, reflected light.

1980's Change in ownership and closing

The Robinson Grand remained a hub for moviegoers throughout the 1980s.

The Robinson Grand also served as a stage for local plays, concerts, and dance recitals.

Facing competition from suburban multiplexes by the 1980s, the Robinson Grand entered a new chapter. James LaRosa purchased the building in 1984, remodeling the interior and renaming it the Rose Garden Theater. Traces of this era are still evident today, with original wallpaper adorning the lobby, mezzanine, and restrooms, the enclosed mezzanine overlook, and mirrored panels adding a touch of elegance to the lobby.

However, the theater's usage gradually declined, ultimately leading to it closing and a period of vacancy.

Notable figures in the theater's history

Claude Robinson

Claude Robinson was the proprietor of the Robinson Grand for decades, and a prominent figure in the community. He died in 1948; the local newspaper editorial described him as "one of the most popular" and "best-known, best-liked theatrical man" the region had ever seen. Claude left the control of the theater to his daughter Dorthy Robinson Lang.

Marge Stout Douds

Another notable figures who left their mark on the theater's history was Marge Stout Douds, an employee who began working there in the 1920s through the 1970s and eventually became the majority owner because of her long service to the Robinson Family. Dorthy Robinson Lang, the daughter of Claude Robinson left 51% of the ownership to Douds in her will stating "In recognition of her long faithful service to my father during his lifetime and to me following his death. The remainder 49% was split between her husband Harry Lang and her cousin Richard R. Robinson.

Stuart Felts

Stuart Felts was a longtime usher remembered by many.

James LaRosa

James LaRosa purchased the building in 1984, remodeling the interior and renaming it the Rose Garden Theater.

2014 Purchase by the City of Clarksburg

In 2014, the City of Clarksburg took ownership of the historic structure, embarking on a planning process to envision a compatible new life for the theater. This landmark building forms part of the Downtown Clarksburg National Register Historic District.

Through a collaborative public-private partnership, the city joined forces with The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County and other regional stakeholders to revitalize the theater into a performing arts center. This ambitious project commenced in January 2017, culminating in the grand opening of the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in October 2018.

RG Marquee 2019

Scope of current remodel

The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center has undergone a meticulous restoration project while preserving its cultural significance. The project restored the exterior, including the iconic windows, and added a new marquee featuring LED lighting and video display capabilities.

Stepping inside, one is greeted by a lobby where the original chandeliers, terrazzo flooring, water fountains, and grand staircases have been meticulously restored. Even the coved plaster ceilings and antique air diffusers in the performance hall have been preserved and enhanced with indirect lighting, showcasing their timeless beauty.

The project struck a balance between honoring the past and embracing the future. The grand proscenium design, stage, and ballroom remain untouched, along with the original flooring and decorative glass displays.

The project added modern amenities while preserving the existing structure. Two new wings house a concession area, expanded restrooms, and green room/dressing rooms with direct stage access. Additionally, the basement level now includes improved drainage and a dedicated orchestra green room.

This renovation has resulted in a performance hall that accommodates nearly 1,000 patrons. The second floor features an educational center, equipped with a prep-kitchen, a circular bar, and lounge areas.

Controversy of the cost

The total cost of the project to restore the theater was around 20 million dollars which caused a large controversy among opponents of the project. Under the leadership of Mayor Cathy Goings, the city council, and City Manager Martin Howe a large portion of the expense was paid through a combination of donations, grants, tax credits, and other public and private sources. The city also created a 1% sales tax to support this project and other projects related to economic development which was another source of criticism. A general summary of that funding is provided below.

Classic Projector on display at the Robinson Grand today.

• City of Clarksburg:
  • issued bonds to raise $10 million for the project.
  • Provided $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds.
  • Contributed $150,000 in in-kind services, including engineering and legal support.
  • Implemented the 1% sales tax to support this and other projects for ongoing funding.
• The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County:
  • Managed the project and contributed $2.5 million in private donations.
  • Secured $1 million in grants from federal and state agencies.
• North Central West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center:
  • Provided $250,000 in brownfield cleanup funds.
• Private donors:
  • Donated $3 million to the project through individual contributions and corporate sponsorships.
• Additional funding sources:
  • West Virginia Division of Tourism contributed $400,000.
  • City of Clarksburg Urban Renewal Authority contributed $200,000.
  • West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History contributed $50,000.

Grand Reopening 2018

The grand reopening was on October 20, 2018, attracting a large crowd. The ceremony featured music, speeches, performances by The Guess Who & Comedian Jay Leno, highlighting the Robinson Grand's historical significance and its continued importance as a cultural hub.

The center hosts a diverse range of events, including concerts, plays, musicals, and dance performances.

See also

• MTN Craft Film Festival

Links

• Video of Marquee being placed
• Article when construction was about to begin
• National Park Service Case Study of the project
• New Market Tax Credits
• History on Clio
• West Virginia Preservation Alliance