Strand Theater
7588 Monterey Road,
Gilroy,
CA
95020
7588 Monterey Road,
Gilroy,
CA
95020
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Additional Info
Architects: James Reid, Merritt Reid
Firms: Reid Brothers
Functions: Retail
Styles: Streamline Moderne
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Designed to also function as a fraternal hall, the Strand Theater was the work of Reid Bros., architects. Eventually the theater became a movie and vaudeville house full time, and eventually movies only. In later years it received a Moderne style marquee and box office, but the facade retained its original look and still does.
The Strand Theater was last used as a Spanish language house prior to its closing circa 1980. In the mid-1980’s, the theater was totally gutted and stripped of its marquee, and converted to retail use, which is a branch of Soccer USA sports store in 2008. The tall fly tower in back, and a brass plaque where a poster case once was to the right of the old entrance bear witness to its former theatrical use.
Contributed by
Gary Parks
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Recent comments (view all 9 comments)
The 1921 Strand Theatre contained a 2 manual 5 rank Robert Morton pipe organ played by a Harry Banister.
What a crime that this theatre was converted to retail uses. The store that made the conversion/gutting failed and the building sat closed for many years.
The Strand was reopened sometime in 2003 for use as a theater. I believe that a lot of restoration took place. Many community events are now held there, including live musical acts on the weekends.
The Strand Theatre seated 900 people.
One and the same Strand. Another above comment mentions a lot of “restoration” having taken place. Not true, as there was nothing left inside to restore, the theatre having been totally gutted to the bare concrete when turned to retail use. What has been done is to furnish the space with a plain and simple, but pleasing contemporary multipurpose interior. The original concrete structural rectangle of the proscenium frames a new stage, but nothing at all decorative remains from the old interior. The facade has been given a very nice paint job, highlighting the original moldings, pilasters, window sashes, and balustrades.
Oh the memories , 75cent admission , sneakin to the balcony to smoke ( cause u had to be 18) Saturday night fever, Bruce Lee movies, The lords of flatbush i must have saw 15 times the week it was out. Paying a dime to squirt the perfume on from the ladies room. I wish someone would buy it and restore it to it
s original beauty and a movie theatre again, That would be wonderful!! maybe an arcade even . these kids have nothing to do in this town. Doesnt anyone have a photo of the Strand?brenda of Gilroy
This is a December 2002 article about the Strand. When the Googlemobile went by, perhaps last year, the building was covered with scaffolding and tarps. No clue as to what is going on inside.
http://tinyurl.com/cz2u5n
Here is a 1983 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/ph8nla
Here is a 1981 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/rx9d34
I found this pages from an historic book referencing Gilroy and the pictures apparently taken on the gala opening night (or thereabouts). For a $15,000 organ, sure has very few toestuds.