CLOVIS MAINSTREET
THE STATE THEATER

CLOVIS, NEW MEXICO

  

With the reinvigoration of existing small town movie theaters and the theater district its designs should robustly respond to the expressed interests of the citizens of Clovis, aim to improve the economic and social viability of the theater, and aim to improve sustainability of the building and its operation.

Each architecture student was assigned one of three theaters in the district, and each landscape architecture student was responsible for the street scape in the theater district. I choose to work on the State Theater. Although a common name, this State Theatre, was opened in 1936 and featured some uncommon and unique, colorful signage. Its centerpiece was a huge circular column that was covered in glass brick on the front and was trimmed in red and blue on its top. Attached to and protruding from the column was a vertical support that had State spelled out in individual white letters on red circular backgrounds. The theater is still open today, but instead of movies, features musical acts.

STATE THEATER



1920’S SPEAKEASY CONCEPT

A speakeasy is an establishment that illegally sells alcoholic beverages. Such establishments came into prominence in the United States during the period known as Prohibition 1920–1933. During this time, the sale, manufacture, and transportation (bootlegging) of alcoholic beverages was illegal throughout the United States. According to an 1889 newspaper, unlicensed saloons in Pennsylvania are known as “speakeasies.” They were so called because of the practice of speaking quietly about such a place in public, or when inside it, so as not to alert the police or neighbors.

THEATER IN THE ROUND

Theater-in-the-round is any theater space in which the audience surrounds the stage area. The stage is always in the centre with the audience arranged on all sides. Commonly used shapes can be rectangular, circular, diamond, or triangular, with actors entering and exiting through the audience from different directions or from below the stage. The stage is usually on an even level with or lowered below the audience in a "pit" or "arena" formation.

SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES

When it comes to evaluating impact of a material its “embodied energy” is important. Selecting environmentally friendly materials are central to eco design. Equally significant is the way that a material is used. Solutions are as listed for the State Theater.
 



MAIN STREET EVENTS (PROPOSED)

Urban events are useful in attracting international, state, and local attention to the city in a new way. Organizers can publicize these events and decide what is most suitable for dates and locations along Main Street Clovis. There are three events listed below, but several ideas should be suggested on a city website and voted by the public.
 


Norman Petty’s Battle of the Bands

Blocking off the street from Grand Ave. up to 6th Street for a Saturday gives people a chance to park downtown and walk from venue to venue, eating from Food Cart vendors and watching performances up and down the street. Or stopping at the Mesa to watch and outdoor movie gets people excited about being apart of downtown and its community.

Tunes Tracking Festival

Using the State Theater urban site plan oriented towards music we present a theme such as musical genre, nationality or locality of musicians, or holiday. Held outdoors, and are often inclusive of other attractions such as food and merchandise vending machines, performance art, and social activities.

Rock N’ Roll Stroll

Shop in stroll meets the old car drag show. This encourages all to come and enjoy shopping and in historic Main Street. Walk car-free and along Main Street from Grand Ave. to 6th Street while shopping, dining, and enjoying the entertainment and street performances. Also known as a motor show, is a public exhibition of current automobile models, debuts, concept cars, or out-of-production classics. Gives people a walk down memory lane. A great event for car and shopping enthusiasts!

Project Scheme developed by Team Tracks

Team Tracks Members

Landscape Architecture
Scheme Development - Kelly Gard

Masters Architecture

State Theater
Movie Layout & Production - Janell Furrow

Masters Architecture
Lyceum Theater - Cameron Treme

Masters Architecture
Mesa Theater - Dale Lusk