Over the past few years, Haynie’s Corner in Evansville has experienced a renaissance, with new restaurants, bars, art, music, food, brewery, and galleries. The revival should aid the district’s centerpiece, a splendid Moorish Revival-style theater, in finding new life. Alhambra Theatre, Inc., and the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana have stepped up the hunt for a developer or occupant for the 1913 entertainment venue on the northeast corner of Parrett Street and Adams Avenue.

Frank J. Schlotter designed the exuberant Alhambra, modeling it after the famous Spanish palace and fortress in Granada. The Alhambra Theatorium was the second theatre of its type built at the forefront of a wave that saw similar theaters pop up across the globe. The first Evansville movie theater equipped for sound and air conditioning, the Alhambra screened movies until 1956. It won listing in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

You may be aware of the struggle to revive the Alhambra. River’s Bend Playhouse restored the exterior, but the group later dissolved, leaving the landmark in limbo. Indiana Landmarks had given the group a loan, so in lieu of payment we took possession in 2003. We transferred ownership to the newly-formed Alhambra Theatre, Inc. with covenants attached to the deed to protect the historic exterior. In 2011, the group received a $200,000 federal grant, matched by $200,000 from the city to re-restore the exterior. The interior is unrestored.

In 2011, a $200,000 federal grant, matched by $200,000 from the city, helped re-restore the exterior of the Alhambra, seen here in its before state.

The request for proposals floated by the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana suggests that promising uses for the landmark include arts programming, community space, retail, student housing, market-rate housing, and dining. Proposals are due March 24, 2017.

For more information contact the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, 812-949-4238, or visit their website.