The Academy Theatre was Leeýs most fully realized design in the Streamline Moderne mode. The extensive use of glass block, stainless steel, curved forms and modern graphics gave the building an image of modernity that suited the transitory commercial building type of the motion picture theatre, but was not often attempted in residential architecture or most commercial architecture.
This night view shows the power of the illuminated image to draw customers into the theatre. The indirect illumination of the pylon creates a glowing tower that can be seen from afar. Glass block walls make the building glow from within.
