Alhambra Theatre

Re: Alhambra & National Register
This just points up an ongoing problem in historic preservation: Many, if not most people think that putting a building on the National Register protects it from demolition. Actually it affords no, nada, zilch protection. Nothing prevents the owner of a national register landmark from demolishing it, or altering it for that matter. (Alteration may be grounds for delisting, but can’t be prevented.) Also, a building can’t be listed without the owner’s consent. So the ONLY and BEST protection for historic structures is a strong LOCAL historic preservation ordinance, especially one with two components (California ordinances usually have these): local listing does not depend on owner consent, and demolition requires a review and hearing. In California this usually means at least an EIR (Environmental Impact Report), which if nothing else, gives the public time to rally the troops. But ultimately, if the local public doesn’t give a hoot, the building is a goner. If there’s a building you care about, start agitating to get it listed on your local register of historic places, get on the mailing list for your local historic commission and city government, and show up every time something to do with your building is on an agenda.

Here is an especially evocative nocturnal view of the Alhambra Theatre from the late 1920s.

The Alhambra Theatre was operated by Fox West Coast Theatres, along with the Capitol, Hippodrome (later to be remodeled as Crest, Rio and the Senator.

Postcard view of Alhambra at Sacramento Library:
http://www.saclibrary.org/sac_room/alhambra.htm

The last film I saw at the Alhambra was “A Man for All Seasons” with my Mom. Demolishing that theater in unforgivable, the biggest historical preservation tragedy of Sacramento.

I was born in Sacramento in 1953, so the Alhambra Theater was part of my city consciouness growing up. I don’t remember seeing many movies there, but I have a particular memory of the dark blue velvet ceiling, and the Moorish decorations throughout the building, especially the tilework.

Our church Fremont Presbyterian Church was, until 1963 housed in a smallish 1926 building which stands still at 36th and J Streets, now home to Faith United Methodist Church. The church was nowhere big enough to handle the once-a-year Easter crowds, so every year they rented the Alhambra Theater for Easter Sunday. I have fond memories of those Easters,with the choirs gathering in the beautiful gardens in their robes.

The Alhambra Theatre opened on 23rd September 1927 with the movie “The Fighting Eagle” starring Rod LaRocque.

I am amazed at the ongoing reactions from so many to this day about this once beautiful theatre. I came from S.F. twelve years ago and live in Placerville. How I wished I could have walked up the stairs. There are so many buildings in danger in Sacramento. I have a love for the old buildings of our land. Globe Mill comes to mind. I am happy that the Victorians are being restored but there are so many others not considered. Warehouses, store fronts, buldings that are your past, your history. A time when people walked to their theatre, stores, adn communicated to their neighbors. Not like the cold malls of today. Please do not let them kill your, my history. I just found out today that the Coronet Theatre in S.F. is in danger of closing.
If you ever visit S.F. drop by the Alhambra Theatre in S.F. and view the grand chandelier.
New to the Cinema Treasure.

I grew up in Sacramento during the 60’s. I have vague recollections of going to the Alhambra Theatre when I was very young, remembering it as a magnificent palace. In fact, I have a very emotionally charged, recurring dream about visiting there and feeling so rich and special being within its walls. Even though the physical structure is long gone, it remains very much alive in the child-like part of mt psyche.

Christo, (or anyone)
I am a local artist interested in old photo’s of the Alhambra. Please e-mail me.

It is rumored here in Sacramento that a few of the light fixtures from the Alhambra theatre are currently hanging in the “Limelight” bar directly across the street from the original sight of the theatre. I have seen them, and some do indeed do look like they could be. Old timers I have talked to over the years say the light fixtures were bought at the auction. I also have photos of the demolition of the theatre. Very sad to see. I also know that the City of Sacramento put it to a vote of the citizens and they voted NOT to buy the Alhambra. It was not, as is usually accepted, Safeway that bought the theatre soley to build a super market. Sacramento had its chance to save the Alhambra, and let it slip away. Safeway THEN decided to build their store on the sight. No one should blame Safeway. They should blame the citizens of Sacramento for allowing the Alhambra to crumble to the wrecking ball.

Jo Babbitt

I remember going to the Alhambra Theater with my oldest brother and sister to see movies on the big screen. This was a very big deal for us and we were always looking forward to it. Although I was young, I can still see the images of the theater in my mind especially, the grand gardens, the fountain, the red carpet and the pillars. The very last picture we saw was a new movie named “2001 A Space Odyssey”. Back then, 2001 seemed like a long time away. As a young boy watching this movie I never thought that in just a few short years she would be gone, forever. It’s really sad to see our history disappear before our eyes and not being able to share the beauty with our children or grandchildren. We as people are too quick to tear down the “old” and build the “new” to make a buck without any regards for the history of neither our city nor the people who were born and raised. I also understand that progress needs to happen. But, there are something’s that just need to be left alone for all to enjoy for years to come and to bring smiles and memories for those to pass along. Like all of you, I felt like a piece of me died the day they tore her down. I too have not and will not step inside Safeway. And for them trying to say, “we are sorry” with the remodeling, the parking lights and fountain just doesn’t do justice for what they have done.
I pray and hope that the same thing doesn’t happen to the Tower Theater on Broadway, only fate will tell. My office in my home is being dedicated to the history of the old buildings in and around the Sacramento area with photos. I have also started trying to locate photos of this once beautiful theater. Thanks for the great leads on where I can start my search.
Christo, How can I get in touch with you for some of the photos you took at Kaiser?

Pacific Theatres owns alot of property in Hollywood. They own where the Dome sits and the lot just east of it, where the Bank of America & Wells Fargo Banks and that parking lot next to the banks(which is a parking garage now). And property along Hollywood Blvd. too.