The Demise of the Drexel North

What was the Drexel North?

The Drexel North was an 800-seat single-screen cinema located at 4250 N. High St. in Columbus, Ohio. It opened in 1941 as the Beechwold Theater, was remodeled to become the Camelot North (an Academy "Showcase" theater) in 1972, and became the Drexel North in 1986. It closed in the spring of 1995 after 54 years of movies.

Why did it close?

During the theater's final years, it was operating without a lease. Basically, the people who owned the property decided they wanted to sell the building, and the Drexel could not afford to buy it. Until the owners could find a buyer, the Drexel was permitted to lease the building on a month-to-month basis. Very few developers were interested in the property, and the theater's miserable condition was enough to frighten away most of them. However, Revco Drugstores eventually purchased the building at an estimated price of $250,000. Upon acquiring the property, Revco quickly terminated the Drexel North's monthly lease and instructed the theater to close.

Pictures and Background Information

Got any cool pictures?

If you have any pictures or other materials related to the Beechwold, please contact me. I'm especially looking for pictures of the original lobby and auditorium decorations.

Last updated January 21, 2003
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