Welcome to State Theatre:
- Located In: Pinellas County
- Address: 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
- Box Office Phone: 727-895-3045
- Venue Capacity: 705
History of State Theatre:
The State Theatre, a Beaux-arts style building designed by Neel Reid, was built in 1924 as the Alexander National Bank. When Jacob Alexander died in 1926, the building next housed the Gregory Electric Refrigeration Company and then the Fidelity Bank and Trust Company. The Great Depression forced that business to close.
The building went through many tenants between 1931 and 1949 when local architect Archie Parrish began a remodeling project that would transform it into the State Theatre.
Nearby Dining Options:
- Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant, 95 Central Ave.
- Columbia Restaurant, 800 Second Ave. N.E., No. 4001
- Gratzzi Ristorante, 199 Second Ave. N.
- Moon Under Water, 332 Beach Drive N.E.
- Pacific Wave Restaurant, 211 Second St. S.
Enjoying a Performance at State Theatre:
According to the State Theatre, Archie Parrish of St. Petersburg implemented a remodeling of the building in 1949. The website provides the following architectural information:
The facade of the State Theatre is a symmetrical composition of three bays. The bays are defined by engaged pilasters expressed as a series of quoins above a projected water table base topped by an ionic capital with an attached swag. A projected cornice with a simple entablature tops the facade. Above this is a parapet divided into three corresponding bays again divided by projecting pilasters. Each of the three main bays contains a pair of ionic columns on a block base supporting a banded arch with an engaged keystone with an acanthus motif.
A stylized bas-relief eagle fills the space between the sides of the three arches and the engaged pilasters. The original fenestration was removed at the time of the 1949 remodeling when the openings at the side bays were filled, and a new contemporary projecting marquis was added at the central bay above the theater doors.
Many years later, the State Theatre underwent a second reincarnation as it was converted into a concert venue. That renovation included the installation of glass blocks at the two side arches.
Today, the State Theatre is considered one of the most unique indoor concert venues in the Tampa Bay area. The State Theatre plays host to local and regional artists and also attracts national acts. Featured shows include punk, ska, rock, indie, jazz, pop and heavy metal artists. Concerts take place in what was once a bank lobby and the acoustics are surprisingly high quality.
There are several bars located within the venue, including a Balcony VIP bar.
Other concert venues found in downtown St. Petersburg include Jannus Landing Courtyard and the Mahaffey Theater at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts.