The Art Deco design of the Granada reflects the decadence of that Golden Era. The exterior was designed for function with rounded corners, stepped forms and linear accents that echoed the industrialized, streamlined designs of modern machinery, like automobiles. The interior decor employs the influence of ancient cultures. The murals were designed by the artist who also worked on Los Angeles’ famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre. The grand scale murals depict different genres of film with the ceiling feature depicting a mythological "film goddess" standing over a reel of film, which is fitting since the Greeks started theater. The sunburst crowning the goddess and the curved plaster moldings lining the sidewalls point to another Deco theme – designs taken from nature. The neighborhood theater was family friendly providing soundproof rooms available for mothers with crying children. Archives stated the theater was predominantly dark red, and the original front doors were made of wood.
1977: John Carruth made the flip from movie theater to music hall with the extension of the stage and the addition of lighting and sound systems. Storerooms behind the screens became dressing rooms, the concession stand now served drinks, and the crying room turned into a private party zone.
1981: Murals in the lobby were painted by James Franklin, who was hired by then owner Louis Stool.
1987: John Appleton and Keith McKeague completed the last interior overhaul: including taking out theater seating, terracing the sloping floor and adding tables to the floor plan for food service. They changed the auditorium colors to the present green and gold, preserving and highlighting the details in the original murals.
2001: Pat Snuffer kept the features intact with the addition of the black decoration.
2004: During the last change in ownership, Mike Schoder hired a local artist to add decorative scrolls to the entrance doors and poster boxes. Special attention was given to the lobby lighting, enlivening the existing murals and decor.
2010: AC and lobby renovations were completed along with the installation of HD projectors in 2011.
Awards
Throughout the years Granada Theater has also won many awards:
