In 1891, Kotzschmar Hall opened its doors in Portland as a modest concert hall, paying tribute to the musician Hermann Kotzschmar. It was the brainchild of Horatio Nelson Jose and was designed by Frederick A. Tompson. Notably, it sat back from the sidewalk and had a charming forecourt, adding to its appeal.
Around 1910, Kotzschmar Hall underwent renovations, emerging as the Casco Theatre with an expanded footprint. This marked the beginning of its journey as a versatile space.
In 1928, the Casco Theatre transformed into the Capitol Theatre, boasting 535 seats. Over time, it underwent more changes, including a renaming in 1959 to the Fine Arts Cinema. In 1970, a second screen was added to an adjacent building, enhancing its cinematic offerings.
In the early 1980s, the original theatre closed its doors, but the second screen continued, showcasing discount and later adult films. In 1998, it briefly became a performing arts space and later morphed into The Skinny Rock Club. Today, it stands as Geno’s Rock Club, a cherished part of Portland’s nightlife.
The entrance on the left, which once led to a restaurant, was demolished in 2002. This transformation reflects the ever-changing nature of entertainment in the city, and Geno’s now carries on the legacy of a historic venue with a unique character.
