Rex Theatre

From Pensapedia, the Pensacola encyclopedia
Revision as of 12:24, 18 April 2007 by Admin (talk | contribs) (renovation firm; landmark category; minor changes)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Rex Theatre
RexTheater.jpg
The Rex Theatre on Palafox
Building Information
Location 18 N Palafox Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
Current Owner Tim Hogan
Construction Start Date 1930
Completion Date 1937
Cost $95,000 (1984)
$25,000 (1997)
$425,000 (2004)
Renovations 2001
Style Art Deco
Size 40'x150'
three stories
650 seats
<googlemap lat="30.413752" lon="-87.215481" zoom="17" width="300" height="300">

30.413641, -87.215258, Rex Theatre </googlemap>


The Rex Theatre (often called simply "the Rex") was opened in 1937 as a furniture store. It was later converted to a 650-seat movie theater.

After closing, the building was nearly demolished. It was sold to the City of Pensacola in 1984 for $95,000. Architects J.P. and Michelle MacNeil bought the theater in 1997 for $25,000, renovated it, and converted part of it to a 1,920 sq.ft. apartment.[1] It was sold again in 2004 for $425,000 to Tim Hogan, the current owner, who has stated an intention to reopen the Rex as a "high-tech, retro-themed" venue for movies and concerts.[2] However, further renovations are still needed to bring the building up to code, and as of 2007 the Rex has not reopened.

Local firm MAD Architects, in their response to an RFQ for the Community Maritime Park, claims to be renovating the Rex.[3] Rick Outzen has also reported rumors on his blog that the Rex may be reopened as a live music venue by the end of 2007.[4]

References