KiMo Theatre

KiMo Theatre. Located on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, this iconic Pueblo Deco style movie palace opened in 1927. It was built by Italian immigrant entrepreneur Oreste Bachechi and designed by the Boller Brothers architectural firm. The theatre is renowned for its unique fusion of Southwestern Pueblo and Art Deco motifs, creating a one-of-a-kind architectural landmark in the American Southwest.

History

The theatre was commissioned by Oreste Bachechi, a successful businessman who had previously operated the Elite Theatre and other ventures in the growing city. Seeking to create a grand venue, he hired the prominent Kansas City-based Boller Brothers, with Carl Boller as the lead architect, known for designing numerous theatres across the Midwest. Its name, translating to "mountain lion" in the language of the Pueblo peoples, was selected through a contest in the local newspaper, the Albuquerque Journal. The grand opening on September 19, 1927, featured the silent film The Red Dance starring Dolores del Río and was a major civic event attended by New Mexico Governor Richard C. Dillon and Mayor Alfonso G. Sanchez. For decades, it operated as a first-run movie house and occasional vaudeville stage, surviving the Great Depression and the rise of suburban multiplexes before declining in the latter half of the 20th century.

Architecture and design

The structure is a celebrated example of the Pueblo Deco style, an architectural movement that blended indigenous Pueblo and Navajo design elements with the sleek, geometric forms of Art Deco. Its exterior features stepped parapets reminiscent of Taos Pueblo and textured, sand-colored stucco. The interior is a fantastical environment, with design motifs including avanyu (water serpent) patterns, buffalo skulls, steer skulls mounted with electric lights, and wrought-iron chandeliers shaped like war drums and Native American pottery. The lobby ceiling is adorned with rows of vigas (traditional roof beams), and murals throughout depict scenes from Pueblo mythology. This synthesis was influenced by the contemporaneous Santa Fe style and the work of architects like John Gaw Meem, though it presents a more theatrical and eclectic interpretation.

Cultural significance

The venue quickly became a central social and cultural hub for Albuquerque, symbolizing the city's prosperity during the Roaring Twenties and the era of Route 66, on which it sits. Its distinctive architecture made it a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, where it was listed in 1977. The theatre is often cited as a prime example of regional architectural adaptation and the popularity of themed movie palace design in the 1920s. It holds a significant place in the cultural memory of the Southwest and is frequently featured in artistic and historical studies of New Mexico's built environment, contributing to the identity of the Downtown Albuquerque district.

Renovations and preservation

After years of decline and a devastating 1961 explosion at the adjacent Kimo Bar that damaged the structure, the theatre was slated for demolition. A successful preservation campaign led by citizens and organizations like the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Association persuaded the City of Albuquerque to purchase it in 1977. A major restoration from 1979 to 1981, funded by Community Development Block Grant funds and guided by the architectural firm Flatow, Moore, Bryan, and Fairburn, repaired the building and modernized its systems. Further significant renovations occurred in the early 2000s to address structural issues and update technical capabilities, ensuring its viability as a modern performing arts center. Its preservation is considered a landmark success for the historic preservation movement in New Mexico.

Notable events and performances

Beyond its original use as a cinema, the stage has hosted a wide array of performances and events. In its early years, it featured vaudeville acts and live music. It has since been used for productions by the Albuquerque Little Theatre, the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, and the National Institute of Flamenco. The venue has also been a site for film festivals, including the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience, and community events. Its unique ambiance has attracted performers such as Lyle Lovett, Gregory Hines, and Maya Angelou, and it frequently serves as a venue for local events like the New Mexico Jazz Festival. The theatre remains an active and beloved performing arts center in the region.

Category:Movie palaces in the United States Category:Theatres in Albuquerque, New Mexico Category:Art Deco architecture in New Mexico Category:Buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places in Albuquerque, New Mexico