Eye candy of the week

Posted
Property: 211-19 S. Washington Square, Lansing — Strand Theatre and Arcade

Owner: Atrium Office Partners

Assessed value:
$1,292,800

Opened in 1921 as The Strand Theatre, this ornately detailed building is an example of Beaux Arts style, which offers fresh interpretations of classical Greek and Roman architectural elements. Paired Corinthian or Ionic columns — or, as here, fluted pilasters — are hallmarks of the style. The monumental arched window that dominates the Washington Square elevation is surrounded by human figures, swags and rosettes, fabricated in glazed, white terra cotta panels.

The building was designed in 1920 by the Chicago-based theater architect John Eberson and was renovated in 1983 by the local firm of Hobbs Black Architects. The latest renovations returned the pedimented cornice, dentils and triglyphs, which had been removed during earlier modifications. Fortunately, the garish marquee that had advertised movies can now only be found in historic photographs. In its place, visitors can appreciate the elaborate keystone and rusticated arch on the main entry.

The main central mass opens to a high-ceilinged arcade, lined with offices on two levels.

The rich exterior detailing extends inside and continues to the two-story lobby near the east entrance. A view of the building from Grand Avenue reveals a stepped roof structure that once held the theater’s balcony-level seats.

“Eye Candy of the Week” is our look at some of the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates with Eyesore of the Week.

If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansingcitypulse. com or call Andy Balaskovitz at 999-5064.

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