Location Information
(for the Dukate Theater)
Name:Dukate Theater [Bancorp South (First National Bank of Biloxi)]
Address:760 Howard Avenue
City/County:Biloxi, Harrison County
Architectural Information
Construction Date:1898
Architectural Styles(s):Beaux Arts
No. of Stories:2
Remodeling Date:c.1975
Registration Information
NR District Name:Biloxi Downtown (1998)
    NR Status:Non-Contributing
    Element No.:4
NR District Name:Biloxi Downtown Boundary Increase (2015)
    NR Status:Contributing
    Element No.:45
    MPS:Historic Resources of Biloxi
Local Designation Information
Local District Name:Downtown Biloxi Historic District
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Context/Comments
Originally listed as element #4, 'non-contributing', in Biloxi Downtown National Register Historic District. Due to the restoration of the main facade, it is now considered a contributing element to the district.

It is pictured in "The Buildings of Biloxi" (1976, p. 36; and 2000/2010, p. 42) and "Maritime Biloxi (Images of America)" (2000) (p. 15).
Brief Description
Multi-story, brick, 7-bay-wide (w-dd-ww-dd-ww-w-w) fl at roof Beaux Arts building with enclosed inset partial-width porches at Bays 1-3 and 5. The core structure, Bays 3-5, is 3-stories tall; other bays are 2-stories. Doors are modern 1-light over 1-panel wood. Windows are 1-light aluminum and 1/1 d-h-s some with 1-light transoms and others with 5-light fanlight transoms. The bank has a continuous brick foundation and a tar and gravel roof. Features include rusticated first floor, windows and doors with pilasters and segmental arched architraves (some keyed), Ionic pilasters, dentils, 2nd story balustrade, and triangular pediments.
Historic Information
The Dukate Theater was designed to serve as a multi-purpose structure and once housed a bank, Knights of Columbus Hall, insurance office, and other stores as well as a theater until around 1958, when it became exclusively a bank. The First National Bank of Biloxi had the ornate Beaux Arts facade redesigned into an International style edifice. At the turn of the 21st century, the original facade was uncovered and restored to almost its original appearance. The 2nd floor balcony, reduced parapet, and enclosed porches are the only remnants of the original alterations.