Varsity Theatre
2005 Photo from the Darren Snow collection.
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1015 Massachusetts St Lawrence KS
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| Record #879 |
Opened: 1926
Closed: September 1, 1997
Current Use: Retail
Demolished:
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Capacity: 894 seats
Architect(s): Boller Bros
Architectural Style(s):
National Register:
Current Organ: none |
Also Known As: |
Previously operated by: Commonwealth Theatres, Theatre Enterprises, Mid-Central Theatres, Commonwealth Theatres, United Artists Theatres, Crown Cinema Corporation, Hollywood Theaters |
Information for this tour was contributed by Darren Snow. Built in 1926, this was Lawrence's first theater to have an organ. It was built by local manufacturer Reuter and publicized as a $25,000 instrument -- though in reality it only cost about half that much. Reuter intended the Varsity's organ to be the flagship of its line and the foundation of the company's expansion -- but Reuter would build its last organ before the end of the decade.
After the Varsity was closed by its last operator, a group of investors tried to purchase it and keep it open, but they were outbid by Urban Outfitters, a chain of clothing stores.
The Varsity is now totally gutted, right down to the bricks, but current occupant Urban Outfitters is keeping the flashy facade. Photos Photos remain the property of the Member and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Member. |
March 2005 photos from the Darren Snow collection.
72 KB · 625x469 |
Photos from the Lawrence Journal-World collection.
51 KB · 625x371 |
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Last featured 6/16/2005. Last edited 8/16/2023.
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