Arcata Theatre Lounge

History

George Mann of Redwood Theaters Incorporated was the theater tycoon responsible for the 1937 construction of the Arcata Theater. West Coast theater designer, William B. David was commissioned as architect. The Arcata Theatre opened on February 5th , 1938. Within a year, the theater was offering six movies a week with added attractions including cartoons like Popeye and Betty Boop, as well as news, sports and varieties with each film. The Arcata Theatre is a striking combination of Art Deco and Art Moderne architecture. This structure incorporates the geometric Art Deco design with the sweeping curved style of the Art Moderne; a frequent combination in 1930's theater design. The marquee features neon lighting and is a focal point in the city's skyline. In the original blue print designs, the neon marquee was nearly twice as tall as it was eventually built. The present owners bought the Arcata Theater in May of 2004.

Specialties

a community entertainment destination