The Collier Center in downtown Medford Ore., is composed of many office spaces, rooms for rent, and a performance center called the Craterian Theatre. On October 20, 1924, the Craterian Theatre at The Collier Center celebrated a successful grand opening, selling out of tickets for a play called “The Havoc”. The theatre was leased by George Hunt until 1928, when the Great Depression hit, and was sold to the Fox chain. Hunt got the property back after filing for bankruptcy in 1933. The theatre and surrounding spaces prospered until the late 1970’s when picture films became more popular.  By the end of 1985, the historically registered building had been given to the neighboring Rogue Valley Art Association with the hope it might “…foster community theater activities.”

A group of volunteers formed the nonprofit Craterian Performances Company (CPC) to transform the historic theater into a modern performing arts center for the community in downtown Medford. In 1997, the Craterian Theatre had another reopening after receiving support of $5.2 million from more than 600 individuals, businesses, foundations, the state, county, city, and the urban renewal agency. The building has gone back and forth from staying on the historic buildings list because of the many upgrades and modernizations of the building. 

Original Image and Public Record: Circled in blue is the Craterian Theatre. 

 According to Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission Agenda September 7, 2021 Non-Contributing to a District is defined as: (Non-Contributing) 1. Applies to individual properties located within a historic district that have lost their historical integrity, were not present during the period of significance or do not relate to the documented significance of the district. 2. Properties with non-historic siding were considered to be non-contributing, despite associations with proposed areas of significance. Properties with non-historic siding should be re-evaluated for register eligibility if and when the non-historic siding is removed.

In 2021, the Craterian Theater at 23 Central Ave S is now classified as Non-Contributing because of a substantial addition and significant window alterations to its north façade. 

Craterian Theatre: Then and Now Image source

This public record indicates that the building is currently registered in Stephen McCandless’s name and that the nonprofit Craterian Performances Company is still in charge. McCandless is the current executive producer at the theatre, but many companies, producers, and performers showcase their talents on the Craterian Stage. The community of performing arts includes drama/ theatre high school students, adult companies, music artists, and dancers. The Collier Center hosts and helps with community events, fundraisers, and family holiday activities.