West Virginia State University Capitol Center Theatre
Charleston, WVOpened as the Plaza Theatre in 1912, it featured high-class vaudeville entertainment and novel attractions. In 1921, the building was remodeled with a Wurlitzer pipe organ and a projector room. A 30 foot electrical sign and a marquee were addedon the front. The facility was renamed the Capitol Theater and offered silent movies and vaudeville. In 1923, a fire collapsed the roof; the loss estimate was $175,000. The owners rebuilt immediately and with “talkies” the theatre was wired for sound. In 1982, changes to the economy and the downtown community as well as competition from movie chain theatres forced it to close. In 1985, the
theatre reopened as the Capitol Plaza. In 1991, the building was given to West Virginia State University and renamed the Capitol Center. It is open for walk-in tours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and during events. (Listed NRHP 1985)
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