Contest seeks ideas for historic State Theater

4/13/2012

Pitch your ideas for reusing South Bend's historic State Theater.

The State Theater has been many things since its construction in 1919. Downtown South Bend, Inc. aims to breathe new life into the historic building, which has been dark for several years, through a contest. Anyone can submit an idea through the official web site dtsbpitch.com with the winning pitch garnering a $1,000 prize, a name on the marquee, and the possibility of seeing the building’s proposed use brought to market.

A jury will review the submissions and select the top ideas. In Round 2, finalists will receive access to the State Theater, a business mentor, and the use of software designed to help entrepreneurs refine and organize their ideas for presentation. The final-round presentation will be judged live by a panel of local experts at the State Theater, including the theater’s owner, Assaf Zvi Dagan, President and Founder of Banko Capital, L.L.C.

The State was originally built as the Blackstone Theater. Henry Newhouse of Chicago designed the Neoclassical 2,500-seat theater. The $500,000 construction cost provided a fireproof structure, including what was touted at the time as the most complete film booths in the United States, equipped with Cimplex Company motion picture projectors.

The theater became the State in 1931 and remained in business until 1978. The City of South Bend holds an easement on the façade, thanks to the investment of Community Development Block Grant funds to restore its terra cotta and brick.

Go here for contest details and contact information for Downtown South Bend, Inc.