503 Congress Street pays homage to its roots as a movie theater by becoming The Ace Community Theatre. Built in 1944, the original Ace Theatre was one of twelve African American movie theaters owned by the Kings Theatre Company. Its location near Calloway-Smith Middle School contributes to the community-centered design of this neighborhood. The rehabilitated Ace Community Theatre is the perfect place to celebrate local art and function as a fun weekend activity for families like the Franklins. Aretha cannot wait to share her love of upbeat showtunes with her kids Aubrey and Melissa through local productions of Annie or West Side Story.

 

Our design maintains much of the original facade while elevating the roofline with classic Art Deco inspiration from the Booker T. Theatre which was also owned by the Kings Theatre Company. Sanborn maps and identifying marks on the building indicate that 503 Congress once had a metal awning, which our design reinstates. Our sign continues to highlight an Art Deco style with lots of neon and curves. The style continues with the etched chevron patterns on the modern glass doors.