History of the LaSalle Theatre
The LaSalle Theatre (the “LaSalle”) was commissioned by The International Savings and Loan Company after they recognized the growth of the Collinwood and Nottingham community areas following WWI, spurring the need for commercial and residential development. Designed by Cleveland architect Nicola Petti, the LaSalle is a primary example of restrained Neo-Classical Revival style. Petti is attributed to the construction of eleven theaters in Ohio, all built in the period of 1917-1927, of which only three remain: the Cedar-Lee in Cleveland Heights, the Variety on the west side of Cleveland and the LaSalle.
The LaSalle was built for the cost of $200,000 as a mixed-use structure that included a theater, a bank branch, retail stores, and apartments boasting “up-to-date heating, lighting and ventilating systems and a seating capacity for 1,600.” The building served as an anchor in the East 185th corridor and was the showplace and public meeting place of its day.
The LaSalle’s theater space, built in 1927 for vaudeville, held its first silent movie opening the evening of March 1, 1928 with Billie Dove’s “Love Mart.” As silent movies became the rage, the LaSalle was converted to a movie theater. With the advent of sound, the “Age of Talkies” was born and people flocked to their neighborhood theater. It remained active, showing movies until 1991, when the popularity of single-screen movie theaters waned.
In 1995, a local car dealership owner purchased the LaSalle, made repairs to the theater interior, retaining the original architectural details, and repurposed the space for an antique car museum. The museum closed after a short run, leaving the LaSalle vacant for a decade.
In 2008, Ward 11 Councilman, Michael D. Polensek, through City Ordinance, secured the building’s fate from the wrecking ball when the LaSalle was designated a Cleveland Landmark. It was purchased by Northeast Shores Development Corporation in 2009. Stabilizing repairs were made and the LaSalle was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011 for its architecture and role in the promotion of art and theater.
Phase I of the restoration work on the 22,000-square foot property between 2016 and 2018 gave the property a second life with public and private financial support, including both Federal and State historic tax credits. Renovations focused on completing major systems and making needed structural repairs to upgrade the theater space and restore its historic finishes, as well as rehabilitate three street level retail storefronts and five upstairs apartments. The original upright portion of the iconic marquee had been damaged beyond repair and was removed after a tornado destroyed it in 1995. Today the remaining marquis has been faithfully restored and upgraded to include modern technological improvements.
Between 2020 and 2021 Phase II of the restoration took place and included the purchase of furniture, installation of a custom-designed sound system, theatrical lighting, and a new projector and screen. Thanks to a Green Infrastructure Grant from the Northeast Regional Sewer District, the LaSalle now features a beautiful adjacent parking lot where the vacant and then razed LaSalle Tavern once stood. A commercial, community kitchen was also constructed in one of the former retail spaces for event caterers and local small food businesses thanks to the continued vision and financial support of Councilman Michael D. Polensek.
In July of 2023, The LaSalle Theatre was purchased by Ariel Ventures, LLC, and was renamed the Ariel LaSalle Theater, joining the successful family of venues the company owns and operates across the Cleveland area. With cosmetic and practical improvements underway, support from the experienced Ariel team, and the continued support of the Collinwood and Nottingham communities, this historic landmark has a bright future ahead.
With its unique façade and canopy marquee, the theater remains a prominent building within the East 185th Street business district. The architectural details inside retain the original majestic atmosphere and create a classic aesthetic for the now multi-disciplinary event center offering a unique and flexible rental space. The LaSalle is a neighborhood icon, once again, thanks in no small part to the tenacity and patronage of the Collinwood and Nottingham communities.
