Description
Embassy Theatre
125 W. Jefferson
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
On May 14, 1928, the doors of the magnificent Emboyd Theatre opened in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Built as a movie/vaudeville palace, the Emboyd provided a majestic backdrop for the entertainment of the day. For the admission price of 60 cents, guests to the Emboyd’s Opening Night festivities were treated to vaudeville acts on the stage, musical performances by the symphonic orchestra and the Grande Page Organ, and the silent film Easy Come, Easy Go starring Richard Dix.
Wrapped around the north and west sides of the theatre was the seven-story Indiana Hotel, which catered to business clientele generated from the nearby train station. The hotel billed itself as “Fort Wayne’s Newest and Finest Year ‘Round Air Conditioned” hotel and the “Home of the World’s Best Beds.” The 250 rooms had a combination tub and shower bath. The hotel had the Café, Cocktail Lounge and Circular Bar, famous for its ‘food, beverages, music and entertainment.’ Later business tenants of the Indiana Hotel included Sam’s Barbershop (in the hotel basement next to the breakfast kitchen), the Indiana Drug Store and Dr. C.B. Parker (along Harrison Street on the first floor). The hotel operated until 1966, closing due to a decline in train traffic and changes in the hotel industry.
In 1952, the theatre was leased to an amusement company and the name changed to the Embassy Theatre. The Embassy operated primarily as a movie theatre until 1972 when the owners decided that it would be more profitable to demolish the theatre and create a parking lot. Through the efforts of a handful of volunteers and with support from a caring community, the Embassy Theatre and Indiana Hotel were saved from the wrecking ball just two days before scheduled demolition. The resulting commitment of corporate and personal financial support led to the formation of the Embassy Theatre Foundation, the not-for-profit organization that to this day restores, maintains and operates Indiana’s largest historical theatre. In 1995, a major renovation of the Embassy Stage brought the theatre up to the modern standards required by large scale touring companies. The original seating capacity of the Embassy Theatre was 3,100, but through renovation it has been reduced to the current 2,477. The main floor seats 1,395 and the Balcony seats 1,070 people. Two wheelchair areas behind sections B & C can accommodate up to 12 wheelchairs.
Restoration of the Indiana Hotel Lobby and Mezzanine was also completed at this time, contributing to the Embassy’s reincarnation as a multi-use Centre for entertainment, social and educational functions. Designed in the Mediterranean tradition, the Indiana Hotel Lobby and Mezzanine have also been restored to their former grandeur with great attention to historical relevance and detail. The original mezzanine railing and main tile flooring remain. The carpeting on the mezzanine level is a duplication of a piece taken from one of the original hotel rooms. The remaining hotel rooms are currently unused.
Through all renovations and improvements, the Embassy Theatre has maintained the historic integrity of the building that is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
In 2003, the Embassy celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a year of spectacular events and unforgettable celebrations, including a re-creation of the 1928 Opening Night celebration on May 14, 2003, a complimentary concert celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Grande Page Organ, and the dedication of the Honorary Marquee Entryway and Walk of Recognition. The 75th Anniversary celebrations concluded with the lighting of the new Embassy Marquee in May 2004.
