Lee and J.J. Shubert, theatrical producers and a founding members of the Theatrical Syndicate
set out to build a theater memorializing their brother, Sam, who had died several years earlier
in a railroad accident. Two theaters were built, one in Philadelphia and one in New York.
The Shubert Theatre in Philadelphia was built in 1918 on the site of the demolished Horticultural
{Agricultural} Hall that included the reuse of the Hall's marble staircase in the theaters'
interior design. The building stands seven stories high with theater on the first level and
6 floors used for offices and classrooms. Herbert J. Krapp is the original architect.
Additions and renovations were made in 1958. Then, beginning in 1986 the stage and sound was
modernized, and following in 1991, the theatre was renamed and dedicated to John W. Merriam,
a local entrepreneur, who was active for many years on the
Board of Directors of the University of the Arts.
