From Garden Theatre to Urban Outfitters: The History That Lies Between the Walls of UO

Garden Theatre, 1918

Today, if you take a walk down King Street in Charleston, S.C., you'll be sure to pass by Urban Outfitters. If you step inside, you will find yourself staring in amazement at all the architectural masterpieces and perfections.

However, if you really stop and survey the entire store from top to bottom, you may ask yourself, "what was this building before it was a retail store?"

Many tourists travel from hundreds of miles away to see the store and to capture its beauty to take home with them and cherish forever.

Years and years ago, back in January of 1918, Garden Theatre opened its doors and provided entertainment in the form of silent, moving pictures.

By 1929, the theatre transformed and began making movies using the "Vitaphone" process, and showing both film and stage shows. Between the 1950's and 1960's, the theatre continued their successful venture in showing both stage and film movies, and also was used by numerous schools, churches and organizations.

Old American Fotoplayer 

The College of Charleston also used the theatre for its initial Fine Arts Series of lectures and films.

Inside near front staircase

In 2002, the city did not renew the theaters lease, and for months many businesses tried to revive the old building.

In 2003, Urban Outfitters stepped in and bought the building, restored it and opened their doors in 2005. Upon its opening, the store gained much attention, and also revealed a few hidden secrets. Inside the store, a stairway that was only to be used by African Americans during the Jim Crow days was left in its original state to remind customers of the past, and how far we have elevated.

Urban Outfitters has made great strides professionally, and now intend on making even greater strides within the community. This year, the local Charleston store will be encouraging their employees to bring in can goods so that they can be donated to the local soup kitchen on Meeting Street.

Between the breath-taking scenery of Charleston, and the stores significant historical background, this Urban Outfitters sure is one to try and compete with!

Between the breath-taking scenery of Charleston, and the stores significant historical background, this Urban Outfitters sure is one to try and compete with!