Brava Women's Theater Arts

The Roosevelt/York was originally built for the Ackerman & Harris chain. The architects were Reid Bros. It became part of the General Theatrical chain in 1931. In the 1980s, it was part of Renaissance Rialto Theatres. The theatre now features a new impressive art deco neon vertical sign reading BRAVA, with deco goddess heads surmounting it.

Just for the record: The Roosevelt opened on 22 September 1926 with Norma Talmadge in Kiki. It was renamed York 24 on 7 March 1962, and later became known simply as the York.

the designer of the new sign was fernando duarte
fernando duarte design
he receive first prize international design competition 2002 for neon electrical sign award

When The Roosevelt Theatre opened it seated 1006 people. That's info is from Fily Daily.

In its final few years as a movie house, the York was operated by the Red Vic collective; for a time it was their only venue as they had been forced to vacate their original location and had not yet found a new location for that theater.

1944 photo as the Roosevelt Theatre.
http://webbie1.sfpl.org/multimedia/sfphotos/AAA-9092.jpg

THE S.F. YORK THEATER WAS FOR ABOUT 1 YR, "THE YORK REVIVAL CENTER",
WHEN MY LATE FATHER AND I, HAD A CHURCH-REVIVAL THERE, IN APROSIMENTLY 1965 OR SO.

IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE AND MANY CAME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST...
AS A PERSONAL SAVIOR!

"IN CHRIST ... IS LIFE! "

(REV. B. DOWELL / EITENTS@YAHOO.COM)

Here is a website for this theater.

This is a recent close-up view of the Brava.

A Wurlitzer theater organ opus 1471 style "D" was installed in the Roosevelt Theater on 10/9/1926. Status: Sold.

2009 photo

1980 Photo

1986 Photo

1986 Photo

According to the August 3, 1946, issue of Boxoffice Magazine, the Roosevelt Theatre, operated by Ben Levin, had been completely renovated, with new lobby, marquee, rest rooms, and decoration. The architect for the project was Otto A. Deichman. Unless there was another Roosevelt Theatre in San Francisco, this must be the place.