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89002330 OMB No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form DEC 2 6 1989 This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for individual properties or districts. See instructions in Guidelines for Completing National Register Forms (National Register Bulletin 16). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the requested information. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, styles, materials, and areas of significance, enter only the categories and subcategories listed in the instructions. For additional space use continuation sheets (Form 10-900a). Type all entries. 1.
Name of Property historic name Somerville Theatre (preferred) other names/site number Hobbs Building 2. Location street & number 55 Davis Square city, town Somerville state Massachusetts code MA county Middlesex code N/ Aot for publication NZA vicinity 017 zip code 02143 3. Classification Ownership of Property X private public-local public-State public-Federal Category of Property X building(s) district site structure object Name of related multiple property listing: Somerville MRA Number of Resources within Property Contributing Noncontributing 1 buildings sites structures objects 1 Total Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register - 4.
State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this X nomination Irequest for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Registerof Historic Placesand meetsthe procedural and professional requirementsset forthin 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion,the property [X meets does not meet the National Register criteria. see continuation sheet. vauni A lalmaee Dec 20,1987 Signature of certifying official Executive Director, Massachusetts Historical Commiasion, State Historic Preservation Officer State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property does not meet the National Register criteria. See continuation sheet. Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 5.
NationalPark Service Certification I, hereby, certify that this property is: Xlentered in the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined eligible for the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined not eligible for the National Register. AelaueByar Entered in the National Registe: 1/20/56 removed from the National Register. other, (explain:) Signature of the Keeper - Date of Action 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) Recreation and Culture / Theatre Commerce / Specialty Store, Office Somerville Theatre, Somerville, MA Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) Recreation and Culture / Theatre Commerce / Specialty Store 7.
Description Architectural Classification (enter categories from instructions) Neo-classical Revival Materials (enter categories from instructions) foundation walls Brick; stone roof other Describe present and historic physical appearance. This three-story Moderne commercial building, built in 1914, is similar in style and size to the few remaining structures of its age still standing in Davis Square. The numerous uses, in addition to the theatre, for which the building was designed include a bowling alley, cafe, shops, offices and meeting rooms, a plan more complex than that for the other five theatres built in Somerville. This sole survivor of the vaudeville era in Somerville is also the oldest theatre built explicitly as a movie house in the Boston area and was the prototype for Dorchester's landmark Strand Theatre of 1918 designed by the same architects.
The exterior of the Somerville Theatre is somewhat altered although not openings originally blank are now in use and the sash have been replaced over the years, but there is no change in either shape or number of openings. The original marquee is gone as is a large placque, roof flagpole, and some ornaments from the cornice and parapet over the theatre entrance. The interior of the theatre has been sadly neglected, but also does not appear to be irreversibly altered. The small lobby, typical of a vaudeville house where the audience came and went, has suffered the most change, probably in the 1960s. Wood paneling and tile sections have been applied over the walls and a dropped ceiling suspended from the original, which is a geometric tile mosaic in blue with bands of silver and gold echoing the floor, a tile mosaic in white with bands of red and black.
The theatre interior was originally decorated in a mixed 19th century style, pastel floral medallions with cherubs, and Art Deco/Aztec geometrics were added, probably in 1932. current scheme is a tan and gilt background highlighted by green triangles, red circular shapes, and black lines and is very unusual. The molded plaster of the proscenium is red and gilt, and the vertical accents of the exterior of the boxes and balcony are picked out in red and green. The balcony still has its original rose brocade panels on the walls and its original half-moon wood and glass doors leading to the lobby. The narrow stage is still framed by red velvet curtains, and a large movie screen forms the rear wall.
Aside from these cosmetic changes, a few minor structural changes have also occurred, probably in 1932: the lower boxes on both sides of the stage were removed and [ See continuation sheet NPS Form 10-900a (8-86) United States Department of theInterior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 Section number 7 - Page - Somerville Theatre Somerville, MA the orchestra pit covered over to provide more seating. Otherwise, the interior is intact. These changes have not affected the theatre's marvelous acoustics or its virtually unobstructed sightlines. (A few seats in the rear of the mezzanine are blocked by the columns that support the balcony.) These slight alterations probably occurred in 1932, when the theatre reverted to being a movie house and live shows were no longer produced.
(continued) NPS Form 10-800-a (8-88) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 2 Somerville Theatre Somerville, MA ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION While no prehistoric sites are currently recorded on the property, it is possible that sites are present. Three known sites are recorded in close proximity (within one mile) to the property. In general, however, the potential for significant archaeological remains, either prehistoric or historic, is low as a result of extensive development in the area and because the building which has a cellar covers the entire lot. (end) Somerville Theatre, Somerville, MA 8. Statement of Significance