Murray to Have New Sound Theater
Murray Eagle, 5 June 1930, page 1
Construction Work Begins on $65,000 Building: Sound Theater, Store and Apartment House will Occupy Structure
The faith and confidence in Murray as good a business location by the Gem Theater management will make it possible for Murray citizens to point with pride to a magnificent structure in the very near future, in a new sound and talking theater, a splendid store and a modern apartment building, totaling an approximate investment of $65,000.
Ground was broken Tuesday for this improvement to Murray's business section and work will go steadily forward. Mr. Duvall says the buildings to be ready for occupancy before cold weather. The general contract on the building is in the hands of R. J. Patience of Midvale.
A new Gem Theatre, built from the ground up for sound pictures, will rise from the site of the present theater, with a seating capacity of 500, equipped with a large magnascope screen with all appointments attractive and ultra modern, making the new Gem one of the most splendidly equipped sound and talking picture houses to be found in the state.
North of the theater will be a store building 45 by 125 feet, which will be the new home of the J. C. Penny Co. Plans for this building call for the most modern details found in the larger department stores, the increased space having long been needed by the J. C. Penny Co.
The second floor will consist of 16 three-room apartments. Needless to say these apartments have been planned in the same careful manner as the rest of this undertaking and will be modern in every detail, giving the maximum amount of comfort to the tenants.
In the basement a laundry room and drying room will be maintained for the use of the tenants.
Another feature for the convenience of the apartment house dweller will be an attractive lawn and playground in the rear of the building.
The Murray Eagle congratulates the Gem Theater management on this wonderful improvement to the business section of Murray and wish for them success this undertaking and investment deserves.