When we visited the Alabama Theater, at least three potential Trader Joe's employees asked where they could drop off applications — one of the many signs of the gourmet grocery store's impending grand opening (set for Sept. 21).
This Labor Day weekend saw some major changes to the classic cinema marquee on the east side, including the installation of the official Trader Joe's logo.
It all suggests the addition of architectural detailing in line with the vintage movie house's art deco past.
As property owners Weingarten Realty revealed in mid August, new white plastic facing has replaced the stained acrylic letter holders of yore. As promised, the old pieces of neon have been removed in preparation for a fully restored and repainted marquee.
The west side of the building has seen some major changes as well, suggesting the addition of architectural detailing in line with the vintage movie house's art deco past. A skeletal metal tower sprouts from the top of the building just above the entrance, waiting to be turned into a spire that matches the vertical Alabama Theater sign along Shepherd.
To the sides of the spire are two bent pieces of plywood, which will be adorned with the same curving motif stuccoed above the Shepherd marquee.
Inside, more freezers and refrigerators have been added along the walls and through the center of the former theater. The plastered fluted pattern on the north and south walls has been brought back to its 1930s splendor.
