We’ve brought the Royal Theater to your attention a couple of times in the past, most recently almost a year ago when we feared that the historic building could soon collapse. A brief history: the building was designed by Frank E. Hahn and constructed around 1919. Notably, the theater targeted an African American audience, featuring movies with black stars and performances by prominent black entertainers.

Decades ago

The theater closed in 1970, was purchased by MIchael Singer Real Estate in 1973, and was largely neglected for the next twenty-five years. The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia bought the building in 1998, and sold it to (more…)