To the brink and back
The 110,000-square-foot building at Broad and Poplar streets near Temple University was built by impresario Oscar Hammerstein in 1908. At the time of its opening, it was the largest theater of its kind, a coliseum-style theater with four levels and box seats and 110-foot ceilings and neoclassical decor. It was added to the National Register of Historic places in 1972.
By late in the 20th century, with tastes in entertainment changing, the building fell into disuse. It was vacant 1988-95. Holy Ghost Headquarters Revival Center later bought it and spent $5 million on renovations, saving it from demolition.
In recent years, the church joined forces with builder Eric Blumenfeld, who had a hand in developing other properties in