Landers Theater - Batesville, Ar. - Neon Signs on Waymarking.com

This former movie theater building is in good shape and is now being used as a non-denominational church. I am unsure of the condition of the actual neon - my best guess is that it is not operational.

Date of Construction: 1907

A two-story, stone masonry commercial building with an original buff brick facade. The sandstone walls are supported by a sandstone foundation and the structure is covered by a flat, tin roof set behind a raised parapet. It is three bays across on the principal elevation; the side elevation are blank.

Though the architect is unknown, this building stands as one of the earliest examples of the influence of the Spanish Colonial style in Batesville. Of special note are the stepped Spanish parapet with its central semi-circle and concrete coping, the Classical concrete cornice and stringcourse below, and the bracketed sills beneath the windows on the second story.

- National Register Application

The Gem Opera House opened in 1906 in a three-story structure located on Main Street. By the early 1920’s, the Gem had become a movie house, with only ocassional stage shows. It became the first movie theater in the area to screen sound films, in 1931. Will Rogers appeared on the stage of Gem, which by 1941 had been renamed the Landers for the family which would operate the theater for three generations, until it closed in the 1990’s. After it closed as a movie house, it was used infrequently for concerts.

- Cinematreasures.org

Name of business: Landers Theater Type of business: Cinema/Theater Condition of Neon Sign: Daylight - Can't tell Physical Location: 332 E Main Street Batesville, Ar. USA 72501 Web Address: [Web Link]

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

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