Last night, during the rain storm, I photographed The Towne Theater on The Alameda in San Jose., CA. The theater opened in the 1920s as the first neighborhood theater in the city. Most recently, Indian movies were screened until the theater permanently closed in 2020 because of the pandemic. "The 800-seat Hester Theatre was opened in 1926, designed in an Egyptian/Spanish style to the plans of architectural firm Binder & Curtis. It was given an Art Deco remodel in 1952 and renamed Towne Theatre, eventually going over to screening adult movies which closed in 1989. The Towne 3 Theatre was reopened in 1990 by the Camera Cinemas chain after an extensive renovation of this 1920’s-era movie house. The restoration created a 600 seat, three-screen theatre. The main theater, which seats over 300, housed a Grand Wurlitzer organ and was used for showings of silent films." Source: Cinematic Treasure Photo:David C. Hill
Originally shared on Explore San Jose · February 1, 2024