California Theatre
1122 4th Avenue,
San Diego,
CA
92101
1122 4th Avenue,
San Diego,
CA
92101
26 people
favorited this theater
Showing 26 - 50 of 152 comments
My name is Michael Warden and I am currently working on my Historical Preservation Thesis for my Bachelor of Arts Interior Design. My design partner and I are interested in using the California Theatre as our subject for an adaptive historical preservation re-use project. My design partner lives in San Diego and I live in Orange County and am doing online research for project locations in the San Diego area.
I am currently in the research phase attempting to acquire as much information about the entire building, as well as buildings around this property and the interior layout of the actual theatre. I have found a few photos online but would definitely like to acquire more.
I see that this building is slated for redevelopment as a Supper Club. This is great since we needed to find an actual historical building to use for our project preferably one that hasn’t been done, but realistically can be refurbished.
Is there any way I can get a copy of the floor plans of the building from you or do I need to contact the city? Any sketches, renderings, photos etc. would be very helpful. I am sure most, if not all original interior materials are probably non-existent, but if you had any info, or left over paint samples, or misc. material pieces, or vendor/product information this would be an added bonus to figure how to resort it to the original designs.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to this property being redeveloped and visiting it once it is complete.
Michael Warden Michael Warden Custom Design 7901 Harhay Ave. Midway City, CA 92655 ASID, IIDA Student Orange County Sheriff Reserve Unit, PSR, SPRU Special Projects Reserve Unit Cell 714-209-5841
we will see.
A few years ago (look back in this comment section) I mentioned that I was the last manager that closed the building down in 1990. The roof and some structural work could have been improved upon at that time but basically it was a very solid building. I guess I would get a kick to tour it one more time and see the damage done by the interlopers that got in there. We were off to a good start cleaning it up and minor repairs but it got sold and closed…At least it drew in some rent when I operated it for the trust dept of the union bank…how it stayed empty since 1990,I cannot fathom . I must have cost a lot just to insure and pay taxes on it and be closed. I sincerely hope it will be rebuilt, but in reality it has to pay it’s way somehow. Dave Scrimger
Saw Jimmy Cliff at the California in 1981. (Wanted Dread or Alive. It was the heyday of Reggae Music and seeing Jimmy cliff was the next best thing to seeing Bob Marley). I still have the concert poster 30 years later. It was a great evening and one that I still rmember. Restoring this gem of a theater will enhance San Diego’s downtown, I’m glad someome has that civic pride. GOOD LUCK.
The California Theatre now has a web presence!
We have launched the first pages of the website ~
www.DavenportsSupperClub.com which features the theatre check back often as I change it until I am happy with it and am adding pages as we speak.
On Facebook there is a page to like ~
California Theatre Resurrection Project San Diego
Go out and show your support!
There is a blog now too! (yes I have been busy!) ~
Wordpress.DavenportsSupperClub.com
This is a Diary about the project and the company reason for it.
I hope to see you out there I have found that there are funds to restore it and am going to the State of the City Address on the
12th of this month to meet again with the Mayor and new City Council
on the project I will be posting it out on the blog about how it goes.
Most of you know that we are out on LinkedIn as well and have around 211 people connected whom are interested in assisting in all aspects of the restoration.
I look forward to this year with the tax situations now settled for a minute at least we should see more funding and donations opening up for the project.
See you back here and out there soon!!!
Keep Believing and show your support in Cyberspace!
Hi Damen,
I am sorry to say that as far as layouts go the pickings are scarce the owner will not allow entry as the building is in such bad shape and the insurance won’t allow it either.
Call me and we can discuss what you need and I will see how I may be able to help you.
I see that you are on LinkedIn as well so I will send you a connection request too if you like. We may be able to trade.
Davenport,
My name is Damen Leone and I am currently working on my Thesis for my Masters of Architecture. I have chosen the California Theatre as my subject for an adaptive re-use project. I am trying to acquire as much information about the physical layout of the theatre and have had a tough time interpreting the layout of the building particularly the ground floor retail space/theatre (where it starts and stops) and also the stage/seating layout.
Are any floor plans of the building still remaining, or is there anyway someone could allow me entrance to the building?
Any information would help.
Thanks,
Damen Leone
Hi Heather, Thanks I would love to know how many on this blog would attend when we do this. I found that in San Diego the only way to get anything done is to shame the politicians in the “court of public opinion”, pity.
For this building to be located between CCDC and City Hall and be in this condition should be a crime! Since we on this site care more than most who would be with me to go out and show support for the project?
Are you with me?
Davenport
Davenport,
Great to hear things are moving forward!
Keep us posted on when any demonstration might be as I would love to be there!
Heather Rene
Hi everyone, I live right across the street from the theater and I see it daily. I’m formerly an architect and currently a land use attorney, so this building and its history/future are just fascinating to me. I’ve got no affiliation with the theater at all, except that we share a street. It’s encouraging to hear all the comments on this page about potential redevelopment. Davenport, I wish you the best in your efforts. Any updates?
Here’s what I’ve seen recently around the theater. Yes, about a month ago a construction crew tore off the old marquee. And yes, the marquee looked worn out and likely was a danger to people walking under it. I can see why it wouldn’t have been part of a rehabilitation project, particularly because it wasn’t part of the original design. Yet, I used to see people (mostly kids) posing for pictures under the marquee almost on a daily basis. So, I have mixed feelings about it coming down when no additional work is currently going on. Also, the city has started doing upgrades to the sidewalks and planters on C street, which borders the theater. As some of you know, this work is a long time coming. I actually love hearing the sound of jackhammers working on it in the morning. Lastly, there’s a huge rat/mice village living in and around the theater. In the early morning, I see packs of them coming and going like anxious businessmen late for a meeting.
All in all, I think people in the neighborhood care about the theater, but they’ve given up hope. The few times I’ve brought it up in conversations with friends or co-workers, it always gets such mixed reviews. Inevitably, one or two people say “Oh that building, I love it!†and everyone else doesn’t even know the building exists.
Hi Jennifer, I was out of town in Las Vegas at an investor meeting and just got back on Thursday I didn’t see any work then. In any event the marquee even in my plans the marquee would have been torn down as it is not the original one, I have photos of the original along with the ticket booth. Thank you for looking out for it please keep posting I don’t go by all the time and after the graffiti I worry about it. My investor will be coming to San Diego to see the building very soon and should we move forward we will be drawing the purchase contracts within 30 days.
Heather thank you for your note I will update out here so you can see the porgress.
I live nearby and there are workers out there right now tearing down the marquee…
Mr. Davenport,
I would love to know the update of your purchase of the building. I first heard of it a few weeks ago & have fallen in love with it. I have been dreaming of opening a concert venue in San Diego & feel that the theatre could be perfect! I also had hopes of making it green, so I am very interested in your green efforts, as well.
Thanks,
HR
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP
a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation
P. O. Box 33666, San Diego CA 92163-3666, Phone: 619-281-2200
Email
Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
TO THOSE EXPRESSING AN INTEREST IN THE HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER PROPERTY:
I received a call a few days ago telling me that an appraisal of the 6 lots, upon which makes up the Historic California Theater property at 1122 4th Avenue, has been completed.
According to this information, the property is currently valued at three million dollars.
This is the same figure that has been discussed before by various groups, so it is nice that it continues to be the same amount as before.
I do not have any written documentation in support of this, so the credibility factor must be confronted, but it has and continues to be the same figure and this gives us somewhat of a target, so to speak.
Now, if I could just find my checkbook and get on with it!
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP
a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation
P. O. Box 33666, San Diego CA 92163-3666, Phone: 619-281-2200
Email
Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
The speech given by Prof Bill Neill, Executive Director of the Historic California Theater and Youth Orchestra Group at the July meeting of the Historic Resources board resulted in increased public interest and indications that the San Diego City Attorney and the Code Enforcement will commence a strong effort to protect this historic asset. Major fines will commence with several demands that are all welcome and in the public interest. Thank you for your time.
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP
a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation
P. O. Box 33666, San Diego CA 92163-3666, Phone: 619-281-2200
Email
Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
Please call me, Prof Neill, Executive Director.
Hi Mr. Neill,
If you had been following the blog you would know that my company and our joint venture partners are currently negotiating with the lender to buy and restore the theater. I have reported the graffiti (which was done by art students and not a tagger, they thought they had permission and CCDC is taking care of the re-painting as we speak)to have it removed. If you like I would enjoy speaking with you about the future of the theater if we buy it. It will be fully restored to its original beauty and function as a theater in SD once again. We have the best architects in town for both the historic piece and the tower renovation so the best of care will be taken. If you would like to discuss this with us I welcome your contact we are on Facebook and LinkedIn and here of course. I love the fact that once I came to the blog that there were still folks that care about what happens to the building as I am one of them. I would prefer not to have organizations breathing down the lenders neck right now as negotiations have begun and the rules are strict as to whom we can speak with about what the details are. My email is lets discuss the future of the building and how your group would like to participate. I am open to new ideas.
NOTICE
entire building was damaged by rude decorations on the walls; this is graffiti.
To Historic Resources Board
From Prof Bill Neill
Members of the Board, ladies and gentlemen:
As Executive Director of the Historic California Theater and Youth Orchestra Group, I welcome this opportunity to address this board today. I have an enormous passion for the the theater, especially the People’s Theater.
It is not my intention to politicize this issue that is equally important to all our historic resources, but I must remind you all to just keep in mind: Time is the enemy; it is not me.
I raised the issues of protecting history nearly a year ago. I pressed ahead asking for urgent action on the way in which a property, be it as big as a building as it is in this case or as small as a hand woven basket, they are each history in the hand.
We are the caretakers of this history!
You are the designated board to establish historic items!
Once done, owners have various rightful advantages, but that whole scene has a second act: these historic items must be protected from fire, theft, vermin, graffiti, and the elements. I note that last few weeks ago the entire building was damaged by rude decorations on the walls; this is graffiti.
Broken windows allowing birds and bees to enter a historic building must be promptly repaired. We have various formats within which to work, but where is the Clean Up and Abatement order on this property?
Where are the compelling repairs to the Historic California Theater? Such as a new roof on each of the three areas needed to protect from water damage?
We must keep in mind, these are irreplaceable items. To have lost an artifact due to water damage is unforgivable, so dereliction of duty to a fiduciary duty and obligation to specific performance simply must not happen or be tolerated.
Where are the motivating fines?
We are dealing with a company that is of a size that is in the 100s of millions of dollars. They acquired this property by way of default and foreclosure and are not motivated to view this property as anything other than its potential as a financial investment.
They do not care about the historic value of this property! It is just a potential profit center to be exploited to the point of no more profits.
We know this to be true, because of their lack of action, but that is about to take a major change in attitude, enforcement and results.
I have researched and found that courts have imposed fines on the order of $ 1,000. / day, with some even imposing them to the tune of $ 1,000. / hour.
A fine of $25,000. per day is my target!
Get it fixed or pay or donate it to our organization and we will fix it. These fines should commence in 30 days, not months and months from now.
I pointed out earlier, I have a passionate interest in this theater and I will stop at nothing to get it one way or the other. We WILL acquire the California Theater property and demand that it is protected from all that might harm it. Many people are disconnected from history so it’s nice to reconnect to our past
I have more, if the board will allow me?
Are there any questions.
Thank you for your time.
I hope that your project comes to fruition.
Gregg Davenport (no relation, I don’t think)
Thanks Davenport,good luck.
Thank you all for your comments. I have found that the building is bank owned and will be meeting with the listing agent in about 2 weeks. There are no offers on the table so we are clear on that point. The project has started to take on a life of its own, the Mayors office called me this morning to find out what we are doing. I let them know about the plans for the theater and they were excited about the prospect. There are other developers whom want to have the rest of the block and may want some of the stories of the tower. I will be working with them to see if the plans that they have are in line with what I want to do and discuss a joint venture prospect with them. I will keep the blog informed as to the outcome of both meetings.
Same here,good luck,great name.
Best of luck.
Thanks Davenport.Best of luck,Guys.