Princess Theatre (Decatur, Alabama)
The Princess Theatre, originally contructed as a livery stable in 1887, is now a 677 seat performing arts venue in the city of Decatur, Alabama. The Princess Threatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What is now a decorated, art deco style, building in the heart of downtown Decatur was once a livery stable during the mid 1800s. In 1919, the building was transformed into a silent film and vaudeville playhouse.
The Princess, as it is called throughout the area, was given a facelift in 1941 and was transformed to the art deco style building it is today. The theatre was also given a bright neon marque to display the name of the venue. A local architect by the name of Albert Frahn clad the walls inside the theatre with burgundy and grey paint, and also painted murals on the wall that would glow in dark.
Outside the doors, the floor was paved with terrazo into a map of Alabama, that marked the Tennessee River and City of Decatur.
In 1978, the city of Decatur purchased The Princess after it closed its doors as a moviehouse. The city gave the theatre a $750,000 renovation, and the stage was again open as the premier performing arts venue for the Decatur area which was, at the time, the most population region in North Alabama.
The Princess and Education
The Princess sees, anually, 60,000 customers, 20,000 of which are students and teachers. Professional performers regularley visit Decatur to perform during school hours for the special purpose of teaching yound children the importance of the arts. The theatre also sponsors performers that visit the local Decatur City Schools to teach in the schools.
Future Renovation and Restoration Efforts
The City of Decatur plans to work on more renovation and restoration to further restore The Princess to the way it looked during the time period of the 1950s and 1960s. This includes removing paint that covers the murals painted by Albert Frahn. Efforts have created a large reception area adjacent and connected to the main theatre. It includes additional second floor access, concessions, restrooms, dressing rooms, as well as a second entrance to the building.