HARD DRIVE TO THE KLONDIKE:
PROMOTING SEATTLE DURING THE GOLD RUSH

A Historic Resource Study for the Seattle Unit of the
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Moore Theatre and Hotel

Architectural Description

The seven-story Moore Theatre and Hotel building is located at the corner of Second Avenue and Virginia Street. The primary facade faces Second Avenue with another street-facing facade along Virginia. It is constructed of reinforced concrete with white glazed brick cladding. Accents of tan-colored terra-cotta appear over the main arched entrances, on the window sills, and on a panel which bears the name "Moore Theatre." These details along with a decorative cornice and freeze are the building's principal exterior embellishments.

In 1937, the building was reported to have 11 stores and 146 hotel rooms. [41] The building's commercial spaces along Second Avenue are still in use, although the original store fronts have been replaced with aluminum-framed windows and black siding. The theatre's original marquee has been replaced with a larger modern version. The windows throughout the building have been replaced.

Historical Significance

This building was constructed by James A. Moore, an early Seattle real estate developer who was responsible for erecting over 200 homes on Capitol Hill and platting Latona and part of what is now the University District. [42] In 1907, he opened the Moore Theatre and Hotel to accommodate anticipated crowds associated with the 1909 AYP. The building's design "was immediately noted nation-wide, and its use made it the leading cultural house of the city." [43] Moore Theatre and Hotel Architect E. W. Houghton designed a lavish interior which included onyx and marble in the theatre lobby and foyer.

The theatre opened on December 28, 1907, eight months after the hotel. James A. Moore had been convinced to open a theatre by the manager of the Northwestern Theatrical Association, James Cort. Cort became the manager of the Moore Theatre and attracted well-known entertainers to the theatre. Cort's successor Celia Schultz outdid him by regularly bringing a fantastic array of singers, dancers, and instrumentalists to the theatre until 1949 when she resigned. Until the 1950s, the Moore Theatre played a leading role in the Seattle entertainment industry. It continues to hold musical concerts today. The National Register Nomination for this building notes the following:

The Moore is significant not only for theatrical contributions, but also for its outstanding theatre architecture. From the expensive exterior construction, withstanding both climatic and earthquake stresses, to interior design features of exiting ramps, excellent sight lines, superior stage "life," and acoustics, the Moore is among the best example of theatre architecture and engineering ahead of its time, to be found in the country. [44]

The Moore Theatre and Hotel building was closely associated with the AYP. As noted, it was constructed in part to cater to AYP visitors. When the theatre opened, its first production was a comic opera entitled, The Alaskan. Journalist Jane Lotter explained that during that time period "Seattle was still in the midst of a love affair with the North that had begun with the 1897 gold rush and The Alaskan was a guaranteed crowd pleaser." As expected, the opening performance was a hit with 2,500 people- including the governor, the mayor, James A. Moore and John Cort-attending the performance.