The Embassy Theatre

Designed by local Fort Wayne architect, A.M. Strauss, the Emboyd Theatre and the adjoining Indiana Hotel opened in 1928.  The owner Clyde Quimby soon began to see the growing popularity in film and would go on to own many of Fort Wayne’s great movie houses. These included the Paramount, the Jefferson, and the Palace. Later on, the Emboyd changed its name to the Embassy, which is still the name today.

Aside from being one of Fort Wayne’s first movie houses, it was also one of Fort Wayne’s first air conditioned buildings. The Embassy also holds an 1,150 pipe Pipe Organ. Throughout the Embassy’s life, many restorations have taken place. In 1974, many organ enthusiasts started a campaign to raise money for the Embassy as it was deteriorating and in fear of being demolished. Later that year, enough money had been raised and the entire building had been refurbished and brought back to its original glory.

In 2014, renovations started at the Indiana Hotel, to better utilize the space. A two story ballroom, rooftop patio, and a rehearsal studio are to be constructed.  Renovations are to be completed by the spring of 2016. The Embassy has served as Fort Wayne’s main concert hall and theatrical stage for countless years and continues to be restored and rehabbed to be fully utilized for today, but still keep its excellent architectural and historic integrity.[i]

[i] The Bicentennial Heritage Trail Committee, On the Heritage Trail: A Walking Guidebook to the Fort Wayne Heritage Trail (Fort Wayne: ARCH, Inc., 1994): 191-192.