I had
no idea, until tonight, that the Avodon Ballroom was originally an auto park.
http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15799coll65/id/8240/rec/1
And not just any parking garage, but an elegant and dignified one.
As I zoomed in to savor the details, I was surprised to see that the sign says 'The New Orpheum Auto Park'.
http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15799coll65/id/8240/rec/1
Was the auto park built by the
Orpheum Corp. or simply billed as such?
If it
was built by
Orpheum, it makes me wonder if there was a back entrance or passage-way to it's namesake theater on Broadway?
Without a shortcut, you would have to go way out of your way (using 9th Street) to reach the movie palace.
below: The auto park on Spring Street in relation to the
Orpheum Theater on Broadway.
http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/
I was also surprised to see that the roof-top Orpheum sign still advertises vaudeville.
detail
below: I can't resist posting this matchbook graphic again.
The Avodon Ballroom aka New Orpheum
Auto Park.
ebay
I wonder about the lighting scheme. Do you suppose this 'moderne' facade was bathed in aquamarine flood-lights?
God, I'd love to go back in time!
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