Bayview Opera House facts for kids
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Bayview Opera House
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Bayview Opera House in San Francisco
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| Location | 4705 3rd Street San Francisco, California 94124 |
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| Built | 1888 |
| Architect | Henry Geilfuss, Cornelius E. Dunshee |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 11000117 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | 21 March 2011 |
The Bayview Opera House is a historic theatre located at 4705 3rd Street in the Bayview-Hunters Point area of San Francisco, California. It was first built in 1888. Many people believe it is the oldest theatre still standing in the city.
This special building has been officially recognized in several ways. It became a City of San Francisco Designated Landmark in 1968. It was also named a California Point of Historical Interest in the same year. Later, in 2011, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
History of the Opera House
The Bayview Opera House was designed by Henry Geilfuss. He was a very busy architect in San Francisco during the late 1800s. Geilfuss mixed different styles like Italianate and Gothic. This helped create the unique look of Victorian buildings in San Francisco.
The theatre opened its doors in 1888. It is thought to be the oldest theatre in San Francisco. It even survived the big 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Next to the opera house, there used to be a building called a Masonic Hall. This hall was taken down in 1975. An open-air entrance was built in its place.
For many years, the opera house was a busy community center. People gathered there for cultural events and fairs. It also hosted important political meetings. The building became a San Francisco landmark in 1968. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
The theatre was once known as the South San Francisco Opera House. It was later renamed the Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre. This was to honor Ruth Williams. She was a talented producer, writer, and actress. She helped start the careers of famous people like singer Cindy Herron and actor Danny Glover.
In 2014, a big renovation project began. It cost about $5.3 million to update the theatre. The project improved the lobby and added new landscaping and lighting. The San Francisco Arts Commission led this work. The total cost reached $5.7 million. The renovation also added an outdoor stage with seats. It made the building accessible for everyone, following the ADA rules. The theatre reopened in September 2016.
What You Can Find There
The Bayview Opera House is a lively place today. It has a Community Recording Studio where people can make music. It is also home to the Bayview Opera House Dance Troupe. Another group, the Young and Gifted Choir, practices there. Since 1989, the building has also been a center for youth activities and dance.
See also
