Detailed Description:
C. Howard Crane of Detroit was one of the most distinguished movie palace architects in the US. The Fox Theatre at 523 North Grand Avenue (opened in January 1929 at a cost of $6 million) is the only St. Louis building designed by him. A near twin to the St. Louis Fox exists in Crane’s hometown.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Crane moved to Detroit and became a protege of Albert Kahn. He formed his own firm in 1909. His first commissions were nickelodeons: stores converted into small movie houses. His first theater design was Orchestra Hall for the Detroit Symphony in 1919. Crane´s buildings were noted for their excellent acoustics.

Crane moved to England in 1934, and designed factories during World War II, and later skyscrapers in several European cities.

Structures & Places
Fox Theatre

Reference
"Restoration Puts Original Architect Back in Spotlight"

More People
in the Same Profession(s)

Related Links
Movie Palaces designed by C. Howard Crane
Fox Theatre

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