Baird Theater
19 SE First Avenue,
Gainesville,
FL
19 SE First Avenue,
Gainesville,
FL
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Constructed as Edward’s Opera House, this two-story building was remodeled with a third story to increase seating to 1000 in 1906. Decorated with a color scheme of white and gold, it had red seats and wicker chairs in the opera boxes.
Later used as a movie theatre, it housed a bakery, beauty shop and McCollum’s Drug Store as first floor tenants. After the destructive fire of 1938, Cox’s furniture store relocated in the building, combining the three original store fronts into one large retail space. The original 1887 cornice line remains on the east facade.
Contributed by
TC
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Recent comments (view all 5 comments)
Constructed in 1887,in masonry vernacular style.Mostly legitimate theater till the 20’s.Building still actually looks like a BIG theater.Also called Simonson Opera House.
Added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1994
Cox Furniture Store (added 1994 – Building – #94000579)
Also known as Simonson Opera House;Edwards Opera House;New Baird Theater
19 SE. First Ave., Gainesville
Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Goin, Sanford
Architectural Style: No Style Listed
Area of Significance: Architecture, Commerce
Period of Significance: 1875-1899, 1900-1924, 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Specialty Store, Theater
Current Function: Vacant/Not In Use
This website has a vintage photo of the Baird Theater.