Baird Theater
19 SE First Avenue,
Gainesville,
FL
19 SE First Avenue,
Gainesville,
FL
No one has favorited this theater yet
Related Websites
Florida's History Through Its Places -- Baird Theater
Additional Info
Previous Names: Edward's Opera House, Simonson Opera House
Nearby Theaters
Constructed as Edward’s Opera House, this two-story building was remodeled with a third story to increase seating to 1000 in 1906. Decorated with a color scheme of white and gold, it had red seats and wicker chairs in the opera boxes.
Later used as a movie theatre, it housed a bakery, beauty shop and McCollum’s Drug Store as first floor tenants. After the destructive fire of 1938, Cox’s furniture store relocated in the building, combining the three original store fronts into one large retail space. The original 1887 cornice line remains on the east facade.
Contributed by
TC
Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.
Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
Constructed in 1887,in masonry vernacular style.Mostly legitimate theater till the 20’s.Building still actually looks like a BIG theater.Also called Simonson Opera House.