Historic Register Tour - Clemmer Theater

HISTORIC NAME	Clemmer Theater
COMMON NAME	The Met
DATE BUILT	c. 1915
ARCHITECT/BUILDER	E.W. Houghton
PROPERTY STYLE	Commercial Vernacular
ON THE SPOKANE REGISTER	Yes - added 10/22/90
ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER	No
IN A DISTRICT	Yes - added 12/01/88
DISTRICT	No
NEIGHBORHOOD	Riverside

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Excavation for this theater, built by mining magnate August Paulsen, began March 3, 1914. Known as both the Lincoln Theater and the Paulsen Theater during construction, the building, which the Spokesman-Review referred to as "August Paulsen's Playhouse," became better known under the name of its first lessee, Dr. Howard S. Clemmer, a former dentist who recognized the potential of motion pictures through his father's work in the movie business. The Clemmer opened for business February 22, 1915, and operated under that name until Ray Grombacher purchased it and renamed it the Audian in 1930. In 1932, it reopened as the State Theater, which it remained until 1985. The Met, as it is currently known, features live performances and serves as the home of the Spokane Opera. The theater was not limited to motion picture features; Bing Crosby gave his last Spokane appearance at the Clemmer before going to Hollywood. The theater holds the Spokane record for the longest-run motion picture. In 1964-65, "Sound of Music" played for 54 straight weeks. The English-born architect, E. W. Houghton, was well known for his theater and hotel design; his other works include the Seattle Opera House and the Rainier Hotel. Spokane's premier architect, Kirtland Cutter, served as the site architect for the building.