New Orleans architect
Edward B. Silverstein (1909-1989) developed this 1954 proposal for the Saenger Theatre in Vicksburg, Mississippi. During the early 1950s, he worked on a considerable number of Saenger renovations. While his predecessor Emile Weil (1878-1948) was known as the original architect for many of the chain's southern theatres, including its landmark structure on Canal Street, Silverstein became the architect renowned for restoring them. His work on the Hattiesburg, Mississippi building (201 Forrest Street) brought considerable acclaim.
Image above: Edward. B. Silverstein, Architect. H.H.D., delineator.
Sketch of Proposed Saenger Theatre, Vicksburg, Mississippi [Detail]. Project Number 636. 1954. Pencil and colored pencil on tracing paper. Edward B. Silverstein Office Records, Southeastern Architectural Archive, Special Collections Division, Tulane University Libraries.
2 comments:
What a great rendering! I did not know about this theater. I am not sure when the first Saengar theater was build on this site but the c1920's Saengar was severely damaged in the 1953 tornado, likely prompting this project. Not sure if it was a complete rebuild or a remodeling due to the level of damage. You can see the damage in this photo.
http://www.saengeramusements.com/theatres/vicksbur/saenger/vicksbur.htm
Also visible in the photo is the Old Elks Lodge designed 1908, early in the career of Leon Weiss, Silverstein's former partner.
Sad to see that this stretch of Walnut street is just an empty lot now.
Thanks so much for sending this information and the link to the digital image.
We are trying to identify the draftsman, as it is a remarkable rendering.
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