Lark Theater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lark Theater
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Lark Theater, 2011
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | Magnolia Ave., Larkspur, California |
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| Architect | William B. David |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Part of | Larkspur Downtown Historic District (ID82000972) |
| Added to NRHP | October 7, 1982 |
The Lark Theater is a cool movie theater in Larkspur, California, USA. It has one big screen and was built in the Art Deco style. This style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s, known for its sleek, geometric designs.
The Lark Theater's Story
Building a Classic Cinema
The Lark Theater was built in 1936 by the Blumenfeld family. It was built right where a horse-shoe pit used to be! This theater is a very important building in Larkspur's old downtown area. It's even called a "Larkspur Heritage Building." The theater is also part of the Larkspur Downtown Historic District, which is a special place listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
Designed by a Movie Theater Expert
The Lark Theater was designed by an architect named William B. David. He designed many movie theaters in Northern California during that time. Some of his other theaters include the Park in Lafayette, California, and the Noyo in Willits, California. It's interesting that all three theaters have short, four-letter names that fit perfectly above their signs!
Cool Features of the Original Lark
The Lark Theater is the only Art Deco building in Larkspur. When it first opened, it could seat 400 people. It was quite modern for its time, with both heating and air conditioning. The bright neon sign and the tall, stepped tower are classic features of movie theaters from the 1930s. The two small buildings next to the theater were originally used for offices and storage.
Saving and Reopening the Lark
When the Theater Closed
Over many years, the Lark Theater showed all kinds of movies. It played new films and also special "art-house" movies. But by the late 1990s, the building was empty and needed a lot of repairs. The theater had been closed for five years. In 2003, there were plans to tear it down.
A Community Effort to Save It
Local people in Larkspur started a campaign to "Save the Lark." They worked hard to raise enough money. They wanted to fix up the theater's inside and outside. They also made sure to use materials that were good for the environment. Many local experts helped for free, and volunteers worked together. Bernice Baeza, one of the people who started the effort, led the volunteers. They brought the Lark back to its original beauty.
Awards and New Ownership
Because of all their hard work, the Lark Theater won an award in 2005. It received the Art Deco Preservation Award from the California Art Deco Society. It was also certified as a "green business" by Marin County. Later, more money was raised. This allowed a non-profit group called Lark Theater LLC to buy the building. A non-profit organization uses its money to help the community, not to make a profit for owners.
The Grand Reopening
On July 9, 2004, the Lark Theater opened its doors again. It became an independent, non-profit center for movies and culture. The first movie shown was Impact, a classic film from 1949. Parts of this movie were actually filmed in Larkspur! The theater now has 205 seats, which is fewer than the original 400.
What the Lark Offers Today
Since reopening, the Lark Theater has offered many cool programs. They show new movies, independent films, and classic movies. They also have an annual Youth Film Festival for young filmmakers. The theater broadcasts live events, like important public discussions. They host fundraisers for local schools and other non-profit groups. You can also find panel discussions and live music performances there.
Modern Upgrades for a Classic Theater
In November 2012, the theater got a brand new digital projector. It's a 4K NEC projector, which means it shows super clear pictures. The sound system was also updated to handle 7.1 media, giving amazing surround sound. The theater also has special speakers, a subwoofer for deep bass, and a mixing board for sound. There's even stage lighting for live shows on its small stage.
