The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-09-22
The National Theater An Architect
new NATIONAL THEATRE
A Model of Theatre Construction
For Detroit.

Until the last few weeks but few
Detroiters have realized that there
has been constructed in the National
theatre, on Monroe avenue, but a
| block from woodward, what Is un-
| doubtedly one OF the most noteworthy
buildings OF its kind In the United
States. The theatre In question not
| only ranks among the foremost In It's
exterior and its interior beauty (which
calls for a surprised exclamation OF
delight from every beholdersl, but also
represents the latest and most adj
yanced steps In theatrical construction
along the lines OF safety, convenience
and the comfort OF the public. While
| the building itself has been under
construction but a little over four
months. and Is a noteworthy achieve
ment In rapid erection, yet for long
time previous 10 the actual COM
mencement OF building operations, the
owners and architects have been plan
ming for Il and searching the country
for the latest and best 10 be embod-
led and provided for in his construc-
ton Those who are posted In such
matters agree that they have every
reason TO be proud OF the results OBJ
tanned
The impressive and handsome front
OF the building, with it's majestic
arched entrance, banking towers and
tile roof, Is very different from any
thing else In the country, and yet
design that is particularly appropriate
for It's purpose II is worked out In
clean, white terra Gotta ornamented
with polQcrpme material OF the same
description, Pewabiac tile and stained
glass. and with its broad. sheltering
marquise, impresses one with a pleas
ant invitation TO enter. This appeals
to one more than ever when at night
the whole building. from the base 10
the top OF the towers. is completely
outlined In hundreds OF cheerfully
glowing electric lights.
The entrance, and. in fact. consid-
! cradle portion OF the sidewalk in front
Of the b Hiding itself, is paved with
an appropriate handsome design
In tile and mosaic.
Inside the building broad marble
stairs lead to the balcony and to a
very large and pleasant waiting room.
which is designed to accommodate |
patrons, who perchance, are waiting
for the next performance. Accommo-
dations are provided here for several |
hundred people.
One feature will probably impress t
and please the public: there Is no gal |
lery. In other words. everyone is as
sured good seat on either the ground |
floor. In the boxes, or the balcony.
Great care has been exercised In Sc
lecting and arranging the seats: not
only In everyone in the audience as
sured an excellent view of the stage
but q comfortable and well uphol. II
stored opera chair. The aisles are Il
carpeted with cork tile.
The interior will probably be one OF
the show playes OF Detroit. II Is with
out doubt the handsomest In any thea
ter In this part OF the country. and II
Is really comparable with anything I'm II
the United States The ornamented II
plaster ceiling and the work around
the proscenium arch, together with
their exquisite color decorations. are
In truth work of art. particularly II
when displayed by the brilliant light II
Ing scheme provided. Grapes around
the boxes, etc., are very zne velour: I'm II
fact, the whole interior impresses one
with the air Of comfort and luxnri-
BUSINESS.
The stage Is fully equipped and am
pie to carry not merely vaudeville, for
when Is II to be used, but IL desired.
full dramatic or operate perform
ances. II
Not only Is the whole building al
hreproof as possible. being construct
ed (ezcepting for places where wood
Is a necessity OF reinforced concrete
and steel thoroughly fireproof-and
the stage itself equipped with one OF
the highest class asbestos curt ms
that could be obtained--but the stage
Invariably the source of fire In a the III
atre) 10 fully protected by complete
system or automatic sprinklers. The Il
exits and otairways are unusually am.
pl-. doors being provided with auto
matte attachments so that in case OF |
fire the people coming In contact with
the doors will cause them to open OF |
themselves, and the whole building
can be emptied OF IFS occupants I'm a |
remarkably short period of time.
Perfect ventilation Is assured nv n
complete system OF the latest design
providing for ample supplies OF cool
and washed fresh air to every mart
Of the house -.