Congress Theatre

A stucco front in a Spanish-eclectic idiom, its center rising to a broad segmental-arched parapet flanked by scrolled Baroque ornaments and round oculi. A metal marquee lettered "CONGRESS" sheltered the recessed entrance below, with small wrought-iron balconettes and casement windows above. Low brick screen walls with round-arched pedestrian gateways closed off a raised forecourt at either side, set with cast-iron lampposts and a pipe railing. Poster cases stood along the sidewalk.

The theater at 4023 Olive Street opened in 1911 as the Olive Theatre, designed by Clymer & Drischler and known for an all-green interior. It was renamed the Marguerite Clark Theatre in 1913, when it turned to legitimate theatre, and became the Congress Theatre in 1915 under Fanchon & Marco. It seated about 1,096. The house was leased to the St. Louis Amusement Company from 1925 to 1945 and run by Joe Litvag from 1945 until it closed in July 1954. A church later occupied the building before it was demolished.