Houstonist Flickr Group Photo of the Day - Downtown Houston: Majestic Metro Theatre

The shot from flickr user and Houstonist photo contributor Houston Filmmaker.

This shot is of a confusing landmark that tells a lot about the history of theaters in Houston. This is the Majestic Metro Banquet Hall, formerly the Ritz Theatre. This shouldn't be confused with the Majestic or Metropolitan theaters that once existed in Houston.

Here's the scoop on the original Majestic, one of Houston's early movie palaces:

"The Majestic was John Eberson's first atmospheric style theater he designed. Eberson was renowned for theater projects in New York and Paris. It was built by Mellie Esperson. The Majestic was Houston's first theater with air-conditioning. The Majestic was owned by the Interstate Theatre Chain (they also owned the Majestic in Dallas and the Majestic in San Antonio). The Majestic was built in a garden style and the ceiling was blue with stars moving overhead, lots of statues, etc. and was very ornate.

This was a first-run house from the day it opened until the day it closed. Sadly, this beautiful Italian Renaissance palace was demolished in 1971."

Boy, doesn't that sound familiar?

Seriously, what's wrong with the asshat developers in this town? Can't they stand beautiful Architecture? Enjoy the old buildings while you can!

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