Richmond Opera House

The City of Richmond Annual Directory for 1907 reported “The contract was let March 9, 1907, for the construction of the finest opera house on this side of the bay by the Richmond Opera House Company. The building is to be erected on the vacant lot beside the Berkely Café and facing on Tewksbury Avenue. It is to be of modern architecture and the contract price calls for a little under $20,000.”

The Oakland Tribune February 7, 1907, noted seating would be 1,400 and published its first advertisement July 1, 1907, promoting vaudeville and “Latest and best moving pictures”.

The Point Richmond Historical Association Museum says “The Opera House had a recessed front and ticket office so people would not have to stand in the rain waiting to get in. It had a sloping floor for the lower floor, and a balcony in the rear, and along both sides, almost to the stage. The dressing rooms were under the stage. Access to the dressing rooms from outside was by a tunnel opening on Washington Avenue.”

On June 15, 1916, the Contra Costa Independent reported, R. Tcherrassy of the Point Theatre has purchased 500 chairs from the old Pt. Richmond Opera House to use in his new place. On January 11, 1918, it was reported the front had been remodeled and the floor of the opera house had been leveled to use for dancing.

The Richmond Opera House is on Sanborn Maps 1909, at 11 Railroad and by 1930 the maps show no building on the site.

Today’s location would be west of the Last Spot Lounge on Tewksbury Avenue.

Get Movie Tickets & Showtimes

Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.