Toledo Civic Theatre   237 S Erie St.   Toledo, OH 43604   info: 419-698-4020

History of the Market If walls could talk, The Toledo Civic Theatre (also known as the Erie Street Market) would tell a dramatic tale, noteworthy to most are the names of such legendary performers as Elvis Presley and boxer Joe Louis. Since being built in 1913, this site has led many "lives", all sharing one common quality: the focus of public attention. The (Toledo Civic Theatre) is, quite simply, a star. In 1913, the Erie Street Market was constructed as an open-air warehouse for wholesale fruit and vegetable farmers. TO sell their fresh products efficiently, the farmers would drive their trucks inside the building, and let the day's bargaining begin. In the 1920's, city officials turned to the Market when the public demanded a gathering place to hold conventions and attract people downtown. They renovated the facility and, in 1927, the Civic Auditorium opened its doors for the first time as a public exhibition and entertainment hall. The Auditorium's stage, was host to many famous entertainers and celebrities. Elvis Presley performed on that very stage in the early 1960's! People from Toledo and beyond came to the Civic Auditorium for trade expos, bridal shows, automobile exhibitions, flower shows and even boxing matches - including a match featuring Joe Louis! Despite its long-time popularity, the Civic Auditorium began losing its crowds in the late 1960s to the Toledo Sports Arena and the Lucas County Recreation Center. Due to poor attendance, the Civic Auditorium was forced to close its doors. Even the once-thriving Market did not survive. Nearly 70 years later, downtown Toledo experienced a renaissance, and with it a revival of this celebrated facility. The Erie Street Market was renovated and opened its doors in 1997 as the first indoor public market in Northwest Ohio. If only theses walls could talk, the Market would surely tell us: "I'm still a star". The Toledo Civic Theatre opens it's doors as a multi-use entertainment facility on August 1st, 2008.