Saenger Theatre

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2025

1. Saenger Theatre Marker

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From the National Register Nomination prepared by Katy F. Caver, 1/30/1978:
The Saenger Theater was the largest and most opulent of any of the numerous theaters built in Texarkana. The auditorium was one of the largest in the South, having a clear span of ninety feet between walls. Built of steel, concrete and brick, the theater encompasses 24,120 square feet. There were 1,675 seats, 788 on the main floor and 887 in the balcony.
The upper rear section of the balcony was reserved for use by black patrons and reached by independent stairways. Separate lounges were also provided. The balcony lobby was reached by two slightly winding staircases,

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2025

2. Saenger Theatre Marker

The Texas Historical Commission Medallion is mounted directly above the historical marker. The National Register of Historic Places marker (listed in 1978) is mounted below the historical marker.

one at each end of the inner main floor lobby. Magnificent plaster work depicting Greek Mythological characters decorated the balcony lobby and three French windows each open out onto a narrow exterior balcony, walled with concrete turnposts. The projection room at the upper rear of the balcony was well ventilated as a precaution against the numerous fires caused by the highly flammable nitrate film used at the time, and was built with restrooms for the operator.
The lobby floors are fashioned of alternate black and white marble squares. The walls are of marble as are the bases of the ticket booths. The ticket booths are further decorated with turned wooden pediments supporting the glass windows. Entering the outer foyer of the main orchestra floor, one passes through elliptical arches supported by plaster columns with Ionic capitals. The arches are decorated with plaster work figures depicting Greek theater and mythology. Ornamental plaster sculpture is abundant in the decoration of the proscenium arch and the boxes. There are two boxes on each side of the stage, all with private entrances. The ceiling in the main auditorium is literally covered with gilded plaster work, cleverly concealing speakers and heating vents.
The stage, 35 feet by 100 feet, was adaptable to a variety of live theater productions. Eight dressing rooms, with make-up tables intact, are located under

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2025

3. Saenger Theatre Marker

The marker is mounted between the two window bays on the facade.

the stage. The orchestra pit is large enough to accommodate a full orchestra. The organ console was located near the orchestra pit in full view of the audience. It was of maximum size for the theater space.

Excerpt:  The Saenger Amusement Company of New Orleans built the theatre in 1924 to provide live entertainment for the bustling community of Texarkana. The company contracted the renowned New Orleans architect Emile Weil who created a three-story building inspired by Neo-Italian Renaissance design that showcased simplicity on the outside and opulence within. From the Grecian architecture and ornate paintings to the hand-crafted plasterwork and gold leaf trim it was a masterpiece like none other.
In 1931 the Paramount-Publix Corporation purchased the Saenger theater, and it became known as the Paramount. During the 1930s and 1940s motion pictures flourished and the theatre attracted large crowds of movie-goers. Until the 1960s the theatre featured live productions and first run movies but interest in the theatre began to fade as the popularity of television was on the rise.
The City of Texarkana, Texas purchased the theatre in 1977 from S & H Theatre Corporation of New Orleans for $19,000. The city contracted

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2025

4. Saenger Theatre (east/front elevation)

From the National Register Nomination:  The exterior of the building appears rather plain on first sight but actually is not. The Italian Renaissance design lends itself well to a theater building, the warm golden-colored brick is accented with concrete trimmings. The hip roof is tiled with terra cotta and contains three ventilation dormers on each of the four sides. Concrete cornices, frieze, and dentils accent the facade. Eight concrete pilasters are topped with Corinthian caps, each with an "S" in relief. The three lower balcony windows have ornamental architrave trim and are topped by a large grotesque in lion form over the top surround piece. Two symmetrical concrete pediments abut the top rail at 45-degree angles. Above the French windows are casement windows serving the upper balcony. In the center of the building between the dentils and second frieze, there is set into the brick marble panels inscribed with the name "Saenger Theater". A set of plain concrete medallions inscribed with an "S" are mounted above the upper casement window on each end. The street level under-lighted portico is corniced in stamped metal scroll work with small grotesques.

the Austin firm Bell, Klein and Hoffman, who specialized in historic preservation, to carry out the restoration process. In total, the vast project cost $2.4 million dollars. Texarkana natives, H. Ross Perot and his sister Bette, contributed $800,000 towards the theatre restoration in memory of their parents. In honor of the Perot Family, the city council of Texarkana, Texas renamed the theatre the Perot Theatre.