Opened in 1927, the 2-story Spanish gothic Variety Theatre in Cleveland was designed by local architect Nicola Petti. The theater featured cut-glass chandeliers, marble, brass and tapestries. Fireproof materials composed the ornamental work. A tornado damaged the theater in 1953. It was sold twice before becoming a second-run movie house in 1976. Heavy-metal rock bands, including Metallica, favored the space for performances until the fall of 1985 when parts of the plaster ceiling fell on attendees during a Motörhead show. The Variety Theatre consequently closed for good.
In 2020, Cuyahoga County Council approved a plan to convert a $2.5 million loan into a grant for restoration of the theater. Friends of the Historic Variety Theatre is the recipient of the funds. Plans reportedly call for the rehabilitation of the theater and the inclusion of a restaurant and event venue.
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