Fox Padre Theatre
145 S. 1st Street,
San Jose,
CA
95113
145 S. 1st Street,
San Jose,
CA
95113
2 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Cabart Theaters Corp, Fox West Coast Theatres
Architects: Frederick H. Reimers
Styles: Art Deco
Previous Names: Padre Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The Padre Theatre opened on May 26, 1933 with Jan Kiepura in “Be Mine Tonight”, operating as purely a movie house, built within the shell of a much older commercial building. Initially it was independently operated by Cabart Theaters Corp. It was taken over by Fox West Coast Theatres on September 15, 1936 and was given a typical Fox style Art Deco marquee of the period, with zig-zag/scroll motifs in neon and a vertical sign to match.
In the 1960’s, Fox toyed with plans to remodel the Padre Theatre into a modern cinema named the Capri, but with the rapidly ensuing decline of downtown, these plans were scrapped.
All trace of the Padre Theatre disappeared following its closure on June 1, 1965, with the leveling of most buildings on the block to eventually make way for the San Jose Fairmont Hotel and Fairmont Plaza office tower.
Contributed by
Gary Parks
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Recent comments (view all 7 comments)
The Fox Padre Theatre was located at 145 S. 1st Street and it seated 998 people.
One of my dearest friends was the manager of the FOX PADRE
for a few years before moving down the street to the FOX CALIFORNIA.
As a kid, I always wanted to venture into this theater – but my
mom always said ‘no.’ So funny. The movie houses that catered to
the families and kids was where I often found myself on rainy
saturday afternoons with my parents and friends: THE FOX CALIFORNIA
(premier of Mary Poppins), THE STUDIO (How The West Was Won) and
the UNITED ARTISTS (Lt Robinson Crusoe USN). THE PADRE was known
for its exploitation and adult themed films. A no-no for any kid
in those days!
I was trying to figure out when this theater was razed. It looks like the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose opened in 1987, so presumably the Fox Padre made it into the 80s. Any additional information would be appreciated.
I remember that around the corner from the PADRE THEATRE was the RAINBOW BALLROOM which was on the corner of Market St. and San Fernando. As a frequent patron of the Rainbow, Im positive it closed in the very early 70’s.This was the same time that FAIRMONT HOTELS had planned their redevelopment. It seems that these old buildings hung around for a short period of time before being torn down.
The Padre closed on June 1, 1965. I do remember that part of the block being bare dirt when I first snooped around Downtown San Jose in the Spring of 1982, photographing its theaters.
Listed as a Cabart Theatre in 1936, Fox took control of this location on September 15, 1936 - its third location in town.
Opened on May 26th, 1933. Grand opening ad posted.