The City of North Bend has had a movie house since the 1920’s. In the 1930’s the North Bend Theatre was located in the middle section of the McClellan Hotel (where John L. Scott and Twin Peaks NW are today). The widening of the main road though town (which later became I-90 and is today North Bend Way) resulted in a major remodel of the Hotel and the theatre facility was no longer available. In 1941 a new Art Deco style theatre was constructed and it opened to the public on April 9, 1941. A reporter from the local newspaper attended opening night.

For the last 30 years, the theatre has been operated by North Bend locals, Harry and Helen Trostel. On October 1, 1999, Brian and Karlene Slover purchased the theatre to continue operation as a movie house. They closed for a couple months to remodel the building in keeping with the original style. The renovation of the building was extensive.

The building’s infrastructure was improved in the following areas:

• New Roof
• New HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) system
• New Electrical Service
• New Plumbing
• Exterior wall cracks were repaired

Outside, these improvements were made:

• A replica of the original neon sign
• The ticket booth is now accessible from the sidewalk
• New reader boards were put up on the awning
• Neon accents
• New windows and doors
• New paint

Inside, here’s what customers noticed:

• A larger lobby
• Two concession areas:1 for coffee and 1 for traditional fare
• Brand new restrooms
• New carpet and floor coverings everywhere
• Fresh paint
• A spruced up cry room
• More leg room in the auditorium (Capacity was reduced by about 50 seats)
• Cup holders
• More aisle lighting
• New draperies and a red velvet curtain to cover the screen

Here's what was done for the image and sound:

• New 14 by 28 foot screen that makes the picture sharper and brighter
• New 35mm Projector
• DTS surround sound system. Bi-amplified, with two subwoofer cabinets and 14 surround speakers!
•  Lobby and restroom speakers! Customers can leave the auditorium to get more snacks or use the restrooms and still hear the movie.

Our goal is to match the multiplexes in picture and sound quality, but exceed them in terms of the complete movie-going experience. Our prices are lower. We have a room for crying babies. Customers don’t have to listen to commercials in the auditorium. We have lattes. We take extra pride in the presentation of the films we show by getting the temperature, lighting and sound just right. And because we only have one screen we can pipe the sound into the lobby and restrooms. We’ll sometimes have door prizes and we’ll personally introduce our films from time to time. We also will be tied into the local community by supporting charities and holding benefit shows several times a year where all profits will go to a worthy cause.

Built in 1941, renovated in 1999. The theatre was awarded “Outstanding Design Project of 2000” from Washington State and also holds a Certificate of Distinction from King County for achievement in historical preservation.

View the full size photo gallery.

Before and After Pictures
The theatre was renovated between October and December, 1999. Here are some pictures that show the changes.

Exterior: Head-on

Exterior: Angle

Front Doors

Lobby 1

Lobby 2

Auditorium: Back Row

Auditorium: Projector Room Wall

Auditorium: Side Detail

OPENING NIGHT REPORT, 1941

A reporter from the Snoqulamie Valley Record attended Opening Night on April 9, 1941. Below is a copy of the article that appeared on the front page of the local paper the next day.

Snoqulamie Valley Record April 10, 1941 New Theatre Opens at N.B. Many Marvel at Beautiful Interior-Lavish Appointments-Excellent Sound

The opening of North Bend's new theatre Wednesday evening proved a gala affair. Guests were welcomed in the lobby by Manager and Mrs. Jay Tew and the builder Emmet Jackson and Mrs. Jackson.

The attractive foyer was made more beautiful by the arrangement of many baskets of flowers sent by associates and friends. The event developed into an "open house" with everyone visiting the power room and crying room and commenting on the handsome decorations and modern appointments before taking their seats.

The theatre which has been built, conforms to the latest standards in construction under the supervision of Wm. Blaisdell and Herbert Johnson. The building is 40 by 100 ft. of reinforced concrete and is the "last word" in theatre buildings. W.E. Stoddard of Meadowbrook is responsible for carrying out the interior decorative scheme - yellow and dark red being the predominating colors. With 412 deluxe seats, upholstered in red plush, it will be a real pleasure to watch the pictures.

Indirect lighting from beautiful fixtures at the sides of the main body of the theatre, and one of the newest innovations - a silver screen, back of the main red plush curtain, proved a surprise to everyone. This silver curtain, glistens in either gold or silver depending upon the lighting.

The furniture in the lobby, of cream colored leather, harmonizes nicely with the rich dark red carpet, the whole effect of the building and appointments being stream-lined in the most modern manner. The latest of sound equipment and air conditioning system, will insure patrons the acme of comfort. In fact, one might go on indefinitely describing the beauties of the new theatre and then not do it justice.

A large and beautiful Neon sign, which can be seen for a long distance has been erected in front of the theatre.

Mr. and Mrs. Tew and Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are to be highly commended on the successful completion of so beautiful a building.