The Berkeley Theatre’s address was 2425 Shattuck Avenue. It was built in 1911 and closed in the late 1920’s; originally a theater with an “arched” front, it was extensively remodeled (and a vertical sign saying “Berkeley” added) and reopened in 1936; S. Charles Lee was the architect. A late ‘70’s renovation (the last before its closure) saw the removal of the vertical sign, and the “Berkeley” name added atop the marquee.
Though the Balboa was originally a single-screen theater (one wonders what its auditorium and screen looked like as such), it was divided into two screens (about 1970’s?), and hence is now a duplex.
I’ve long felt to some degree that the Elmwood’s story after its 1988 fire is analogous in certain respects to that of Oakland’s New Fruitvale (q.v.) nearly two decades earlier, particularly in that both were operated by United Artists, which essentially stalled as long as it could to avoid reopening both theaters. Fortunately, the Elmwood can boast of a much happier ending to its tale of ordeal, and in a much shorter time as well.
Saw “Ed Wood” there when it played about 1994. Wonderful facade and lobby; HORRIBLE auditorium (especially the “proscenium”—-this was obviously a bastardization of an earlier, presumably grander one). Still, a terrible, terrible loss.
A sign on the New Peralta reads WEST COAST KINGDOM—-MT. ZION SPIRITUAL TEMPLE—-apparently the church is, contrary to speculations in my initial post, still known as Mt. Zion.
P.S. to my earlier post: Ironically, the building that was nearly destroyed in the fire that that closed the Elmwood reopened far sooner than the theater (whose damage was less severe, though significant) did. Go figure.
The Strand was built in 1914 and became the Elmwood about 1949 after extensive remodeling. It ran as a single-screen until it was closed in October 1988 by a fire that had spread to it from the building next door. United Artists (its operator at the time) attempted to sell it to a developer set to either demolish or radically gut it; fortunately neighborhood and community opposition thwarted that curve ball, and the Elmwood survives today, the only major alteration done during its repairs being to convert the balcony to two smaller theaters.
The New Peralta Theater was built in 1915 for Wallace Clark, a real estate magnate; the architect was Allen J. Yerrick. It was a Mission Revival-style theater that operated until 1953; soon afterwards it was converted into the Mt. Zion Spiritual Temple, a very prominent Black church (particularly in the 1960’s and 1970’s)founded by “King” Louis Narcisse. It remains a church today, though apparently not Mt. Zion.
The (still standing) Pix became known as the Plaza about 1962 and eventualy became known for Spanish-language movies, adopting a “Teatro” vertical sign in the late 1960’s, and continuing showing movies until about the late 1980’s-early 1990’s. Though since converted into a thrift store, both the “Plaza” marquee and the “Teatro” vertical sign still stand.
The Cannery was a single-screen theater.
The theater’s name is Calvin Simmons Theatre (Simmons spelled with two “m"s.)
As noted above, the Granada seated 1314 people (obviously not 1 as listed under seats: (!)
The Berkeley Theatre’s address was 2425 Shattuck Avenue. It was built in 1911 and closed in the late 1920’s; originally a theater with an “arched” front, it was extensively remodeled (and a vertical sign saying “Berkeley” added) and reopened in 1936; S. Charles Lee was the architect. A late ‘70’s renovation (the last before its closure) saw the removal of the vertical sign, and the “Berkeley” name added atop the marquee.
Though the Balboa was originally a single-screen theater (one wonders what its auditorium and screen looked like as such), it was divided into two screens (about 1970’s?), and hence is now a duplex.
The Serra has been demolished.
The Downtown Theatre closed for good about 1947.
The Northside’s address was 1828 Euclid Avenue.
The Pagoda Palace was a single-screen theater.
I’ve long felt to some degree that the Elmwood’s story after its 1988 fire is analogous in certain respects to that of Oakland’s New Fruitvale (q.v.) nearly two decades earlier, particularly in that both were operated by United Artists, which essentially stalled as long as it could to avoid reopening both theaters. Fortunately, the Elmwood can boast of a much happier ending to its tale of ordeal, and in a much shorter time as well.
Saw “Ed Wood” there when it played about 1994. Wonderful facade and lobby; HORRIBLE auditorium (especially the “proscenium”—-this was obviously a bastardization of an earlier, presumably grander one). Still, a terrible, terrible loss.
The former Palace Theater is home to the Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.
The Granada has NOT been demolished; it has long been known as the Food King Market.
A sign on the New Peralta reads WEST COAST KINGDOM—-MT. ZION SPIRITUAL TEMPLE—-apparently the church is, contrary to speculations in my initial post, still known as Mt. Zion.
P.S. to my earlier post: Ironically, the building that was nearly destroyed in the fire that that closed the Elmwood reopened far sooner than the theater (whose damage was less severe, though significant) did. Go figure.
The Strand was built in 1914 and became the Elmwood about 1949 after extensive remodeling. It ran as a single-screen until it was closed in October 1988 by a fire that had spread to it from the building next door. United Artists (its operator at the time) attempted to sell it to a developer set to either demolish or radically gut it; fortunately neighborhood and community opposition thwarted that curve ball, and the Elmwood survives today, the only major alteration done during its repairs being to convert the balcony to two smaller theaters.
The Cannery opened and closed several times during its time as a theater. At one time between closings, it was a live theater.
The Allendale was built about 1914 and closed (as a theater) in 1941.
Possibly it was remodeled later to include Art Deco elements.
Longs Drugs has just opened its store at the former Rivoli, and has indeed retained the theater remains. Much credit to them for doing so!
The New Peralta Theater was built in 1915 for Wallace Clark, a real estate magnate; the architect was Allen J. Yerrick. It was a Mission Revival-style theater that operated until 1953; soon afterwards it was converted into the Mt. Zion Spiritual Temple, a very prominent Black church (particularly in the 1960’s and 1970’s)founded by “King” Louis Narcisse. It remains a church today, though apparently not Mt. Zion.
The Parkway was very briefly called the Lake Merritt Theater (though the “Parkway” signage remained intact) during about late 1980’s).
The Laurel/Cine 7/Victory Outreach is now listed under CINE 7 Theatre.
An update to my November 20 comment: The Plaza’s marquee has been painted over, though it is still up and intact.
The Neptune Theater opened in 1920, was closed in 1962, and razed in 1972.
The (still standing) Pix became known as the Plaza about 1962 and eventualy became known for Spanish-language movies, adopting a “Teatro” vertical sign in the late 1960’s, and continuing showing movies until about the late 1980’s-early 1990’s. Though since converted into a thrift store, both the “Plaza” marquee and the “Teatro” vertical sign still stand.