Avenue Theatre
2650 San Bruno Avenue,
San Francisco,
CA
94134
2650 San Bruno Avenue,
San Francisco,
CA
94134
4 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Architects: James Reid, Merritt Reid
Firms: Reid Brothers
Functions: Church
Nearby Theaters
The Avenue Theatre was opened July 20, 1927. It was built for and operated by the Levin Brothers. In the mid-1960’s it was taken over by the Lyric Photoplay Film Society and in 1966 they installed a Wurlitzer 3 manual 16 ranks theatre organ which had originally been installed in the State Lake Theatre, Chicago, IL. On October 7, 1966 organist Tom Hazelton opened the instrument by accompanying it to the silent version of “The Lost World”.
The Avenue Theatre was closed December 22, 1984. The Wurlitzer organ has been put into storage.
Contributed by
Juan-Miguel Gallegos
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Recent comments (view all 38 comments)
A neighborhood group is now seeking to preserve the Avenue as a theater (and not a drugstore!). As a part of that effort, I’m compiling a more complete history of the building. I’d be VERY interested in speaking one-on-one with anyone who knows anything about the building, and wants to help us save it! My private email: . Many thanks in advance.
Tructus, is there a website for the neighborhood group? Or do you know what plans/time tables they have?
The Avenue’s facade, marquee, and neon vertical sign are receiving a full restoration. There are no plans published for interior restoration or future use, but the interior remains mostly intact according to the Portola Planet. See link below:
http://portolaplanet.com/2017/05/renew-avenue-theater-facade-restored/
Does anyone know when The Avenue started showing silents, I think around ‘65 or '66, but I’d like to know the actual date.
Current article about neon renovations.
http://www.sfweekly.com/news/feature/neon-revival-portolas-avenue-theater-returns/
Another article with pics & video.
http://portolaplanet.com/2017/08/solving-avenues-neon-color-mystery/
Update.
http://hoodline.com/2017/09/avenue-theater-neon-unveiling
Follow up article to DavidZorning’s update in SFChronicle of the Avenue’s refurbished neon blade and lighting ceremony a couple of nights ago.
We posted some photos of the current condition of the Theater’s auditorium space on our community blog. I toured the space and it’s in relatively good condition. Follow the link to see the images:
www.portolaplanet.com/2018/01/wondering-whats-left-avenue-theaters-auditorium-see/
4 new photos added from SF Public Library and Found SF.