Catalina Casino
The Italian word “casino” is translated as “gathering place” in English. Since it was completed on May 29, 1929, the Catalina Casino in Avalon on Catalina Island has lived up to its name. The Avalon Theatre on the first level has a single screen with a seating capacity of 1,154. The 20,000 square foot ballroom above the theater is the world’s largest circular ballroom without supporting pillars. Sources disagree on how many dancers it can accommodate, but the lowest estimate is 1500. Built under the direction of William Wrigley, Jr., to replace the smaller Sugarload Casino, the iconic building was designed by Sumner A. Spaulding and Walter Webber as the first circular building of its time. Restored to its original condition in 1994, the Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival building is a stunning reminder of Catalina’s opulent past.
Avalon, Catalina Island, Los Angeles County
Photographer: Andrew Schmidt