Empire Theatre elevation drawing, Huron Road, Cleveland O.

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This drawing shows the street facade of the Empire theater on Huron Road in Cleveland, Ohio, rendered as a flat architectural elevation rather than a view of the building in use. Such drawings were prepared so that builders, owners and city officials could check proportions, entrances, signage and ornament before construction or alteration. Theaters of this period were often designed to make a strong public impression from the street, with a marquee-style entrance and decorative trim meant to draw crowds. Because the elevation records the design intent, it can reveal details that later renovations, fires or changes in use may have erased from the building itself.

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