The Strand is a one-story brick theater, with the attached former Hillcrest Hotel (originally a mercantile shop) to the west. It is located in the frontier coal town of Helper, Utah, named because two steam engines (a standard and a "helper" engine) were needed to get the train up the rugged terrain. The theater was initially called the Paramount, and changed to the Strand in 1929. The basement has housed a pool hall, a variety store, a gambling hall, and a venue for Kabuki theater. The businesses on the left hand of the front facade varied, including gift and jewelry stores. The right hand side of the front facade was at one time a confectionery and later was a fashion shop. The theater itself has a claim to fame as the setting for a legendary performance by Marilyn Monroe. Except for the right hand portion, the building is presently unoccupied and, except a more recent theater sign, is essentially unaltered. The hotel is occupied by the current owner.
During initial investigations for a Historic Structure Assessment report, the building was found to have a mostly intact structure, excepting the portion directly above the stage. The roof there is shored by the present owner with temporary bracing from within. The inside of both theater and hotel require a full rehabilitation, to correct decades of neglect prior to the current ownership. The theater is slated to house local theater and arts events to serve this thriving artist community.
