The last time Father Pitt took a picture of the Natatorium Building, later the Strand Theatre, was ten years ago. Since then tenants have come and gone, and murals have appeared on the side. When old Pa Pitt walked past recently, some internal construction was going on, suggesting that the building is getting ready for its next adventure.
The architect of the original building, put up in 1907, was R. B. Melvin,(1) who designed the high-class bathhouse with obvious references—especially in the arch over the entrance—to the Baths of Caracalla. Later, the building was remodeled as a movie theater by architect George Schwan.(2)
Footnotes
- Source: The Metal Worker, Plumber and Steam Fitter, January 19, 1907. “Architect R. B. Melvin, Forbes Building, Pittsburgh, reserves the steam heating and plumbing contracts for the $40,000 arcade and natatorium for the Oakland Arcade Company. The building will contain a swimming pool, showers, lavatories, &c., all to be high grade fixtures.” (↩)
- Source: The Construction Record, June 26, 1915: “Architect George Schwan, Peoples Bank building, is about ready for bids on altering a three-story motion picture theatre at Forbes and Atwood streets. for the Oakland Arcade Company.” It appears from other references that Schwan was working in association with Harry S. Bair on the remodeling. (↩)
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