Ritz - Jacksonville, FL
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member Marine Biologist
N 30° 20.121 W 081° 40.023
17R E 435881 N 3356134
The Ritz is a theatre and museum located in the LaVilla area of Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
Waymark Code: WMC08A
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 07/10/2011
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member Team Farkle 7
Views: 4

"The Ritz Theatre is an African-American oriented theatre in the LaVilla neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida. The theater, which seats 426, is used for a variety of music, dance and theatrical productions, as well as movies. The spacious lobby is also used for private functions. Just off the lobby is the LaVilla Museum which holds 11,000 square feet (1,000 m2) of exhibits. LaVilla is considered "the mecca for African American culture and heritage" in Florida.

History

The Ritz Theater was designed in the Art Deco style by local architect Jefferson Powell and constructed in 1929. LaVilla had a thriving, vibrant culture from 1921-1971, when it was known as the "Harlem of the South". From the 1970s, the entertainment district of LaVilla went into decline and crime increased, but Mayor Ed Austin's River City Renaissance plan included $4.2 million to renovate the theatre and museum. The groundbreaking for the project was in 1998, and the pair were reopened on September 30, 1999. The sign and northwest corner are all that remain of the original building."

-- Source

Name of business: Ritz Theatre and Museum

Type of business: Cinema/Theater

Condition of Neon Sign: Hitsville - In good working order

Physical Location:
829 North Davis Street
Jacksonville, FL USA
32202


Web Address: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
One picture of sign will suffice. Additional shots - bonus.
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