
The Crandell Theatre was built in 1926 by Walter S. Crandell, a Chatham native and local banker.
Considered an architectural gem, the freestanding building was designed in the Spanish Renaissance style by Louis L. Wetmore, an architect from Glens Falls, New York.
The Crandell has remained largely unchanged since it opened on Christmas Day, 1926, with a Jules Verne photoplay. In 1929, sound-making equipment was installed to show “talkies.” Anthony H. Quirino purchased the theatre in 1960, and for 50 years it was owned and operated by the Quirino family, until Anthony’s son, Tony, died in 2010.
The Crandell’s auditorium was designed as an “atmospheric theatre” typical of the period. The floor is sloped to face the stage and proscenium arch, which now contains a 24-feet-wide by 14-feet-high movie screen. The stage is 26 feet wide by 13 feet deep and includes an orchestra pit with organ lofts on each side. The auditorium level has 422 non-original seats; the balcony 112 original seats. A centrally positioned projection booth in the balcony was rebuilt in 2013 to accommodate digital projection and sound equipment. The street level includes commercial rental spaces, located on either side of the theatre entrance, restrooms and the theatre manager’s office. The second floor, accessible by a side door and stairs, houses the Crandell Theatre office and two rental spaces. Storage areas are located behind the screen and in the basement.
Not including the purchase price, $600,000 has been raised from the community for much-needed repairs since the theatre was bought by the Chatham Film Club in 2010. The renovation list is long, including: a new roof, new HVAC system, new steam boiler, façade and marquee repair, along with installation of digital projection and compliant sound systems allowing the Crandell to keep pace with changes in the technology for showing first run and feature films. Currently, the board of directors of the Crandell is preparing a physical master plan to complete the renovation of the building.