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Alameda Theatre

Alameda Theatre

Architect: Timothy L. Pflueger

First Opened: 16th August 1932 (92 years ago)

Reopened as a Triplex: 12th March 1975

Reopened after Renovation: 21st May 2008

Website: www.alamedatheatres.com Open website in new window

Telephone: (510) 769-3456 Call (510) 769-3456

Address: 2317 Central Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501 Show address in Google Maps (new window)


The Alameda Theatre opened in August 1932, and 90 years later is a stunning extant example of 1930s Art Deco American movie theatre architecture. The theatre was used as a gym in the 1980s however has since been restored and returned to its intended use as a first-run movie theatre.

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Detailed Information

The $500,000 single screen Alameda Theatre opened with capacity for 2,168, split between Orchestra (main floor) and Balcony levels, and was built by the Nasser Brothers. The opening feature was Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1932) Link opens in new window starring Marian Nixon, and Laurel & Hardy short The Chimp Link opens in new window.

Auditorium in 2022
Auditorium in 2022

The Alameda Theatre was the last grand movie palace to be built in the San Francisco Bay Area and was designed by noted Bay Area theatre architect Timothy L. Pflueger. The Oakland Tribune noted that gold leaf, terracotta tones, olive greens, and pastel shades were used in profusion.

At its opening the Alameda boasted the largest projection screen on the US West Coast at 50ft by 30ft (15.2m by 9.1m).

In 1975 the theatre was triplexed, and reopened as a 3-screen movie theatre on 12th March 1975.

The Alameda Theatre closed in the 1980s and was later used as a gymnastics studio.

In 2005, plans were proposed to renovate and reopen the theatre. The $37.3 million project comprised the $15.2 million restoration of the main theatre into its original main floor and balcony configuration, and the $22.1 million construction of a seven screen cineplex and parking garage adjoining the historic theatre.

Work commenced in September 2006, with the aim of restoring as much of the building’s original elements as possible while also modernizing them. On the exterior, the vertical sign and marquee ceiling/canopy was restored and repainted.

The restored lobby in 2022
The restored lobby in 2022

The lobby’s ceiling and plaster floral designs were repainted in silver and gold leaf to match the original. The lobby’s coffered ceiling was repainted while the elegant chandelier’s 180 etched glass panels were taken down, cleaned, and restored or replaced. The lobby’s twin torchieres, which had been packed-up upon the theatre’s closure ready to send to the Smithsonian Institution, were restored and now have pride of place flanking the entrance to the theatre’s newly-created Concessions area.

In the auditorium new acoustical panels were installed, wrapped in fabric and painted in gold leaf to match the walls. The theatre’s original title curtain was also restored. The project was masterminded by The Henry Architects Link opens in new window. The Alameda Theatre and Cineplex reopened on 21st May 2008.

As of mid-2022 the Alameda Theatre remains a busy and popular first-run movie theatre.

Further Reading

Online

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Photos of the Alameda Theatre

Jump to Photo Section:

  1. Auditorium: Orchestra
  2. Auditorium: Balcony
  3. Lobby
  4. Exterior
  5. Backstage
Auditorium: Orchestra
Auditorium: Balcony
Lobby
Exterior
Backstage

Part of the early 2000’s renovation saw the requirement for the stage to be available for occasional live stage shows. Lacking any fly space above the stage, the projection screen was mounted on transverse tracks running upstage/downstage so the projection screen could move upstage and out of the way to accommodate stage shows.



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