Grandstreet Theatre Helena Montana Listing Type: Theatre/Theater City: Helena Montana Region: Southwest Montana 406-442-4270 http://www.grandstreet.net

Built as a Unitarian Church in 1901, the facility included the sloping floor and the proscenium stage area as you see them today. Even then, early church documents indicated it was intended as a multi-use facility. The original architect's plans called for a church that was to have a stage, auditorium, box office and dressing rooms, hardly normal specifications for a church. But the Unitarians wanted a suitable facility for pageants, recitals, and dramas. In 1933, the Unitarian Church was turned over to the city to replace the original library facility that had been nearly destroyed by earthquakes. In its transformation from a church to a library, the entire complexion of the building was changed to make it more suitable as a library.

In late August, 1976, the 'library' again became available. A local architectural firm donated renovation plans, and Grandstreet Theatre's staff and members went into action. False floors and a mezzanine had to be carefully torn out, and carpenters were brought in to restore the tiered seating in the balcony and build a second exit stairway. The Helena/Lewis & Clark County Historic Preservation Commission has recognized the efforts of Grandstreet Theatre in restoring the theater to its former elegance with a historic preservation award.

Directions: Grandstreet Theatre is located in historic downtown Helena at the corner of North Park & Lawrence St. across from the city/county building. Look for the gorgeous turn-of-the-century church-like red granite building just two blocks off Last Chance Gulch.

Grandstreet Theatre
325 North Park, Helena, MT 59624

Activities Cultural Historic Performing Arts Theatre/theater Services Air Conditioning Childrens Activities Handicapped Accessible Instruction Merchandise Music Senior Discount

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