The Terrace Theatre in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, was designed by Liebenberg & Kaplan, Minnesota’s foremost theater architects.
The movie theater opened in 1951 to great architectural and technological acclaim. After serving the community for more than four decades, it closed in 1999.
Although it has been modified over the years, the original architectural intent is still visible and quite striking. The theater is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Although local citizens have been attempting to save the theater for years, demolition began on September 24, 2016. According to news reports, the owner started knocking down the building despite a judge being on site with a stay of demolition.
This week, advocates learned they would need to post a $6.3 million bond for a preservation case to be heard under the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act. MERA allows citizens to file civil suit related to actions that pollute, impair, or destroy Minnesota’s environment, including historic properties.
UPDATE 10/3/2016: The Terrace was demolished on Saturday, October 1, 2016. To augment these exterior shots, take a look at some historic interior photographs at the Historic Terrace Theatre Facebook page.
Photos taken by Barbara A.M. Howard. All rights reserved.
