| The Cerrito closed sometime in the early 1960s and was used as a warehouse
for the furniture store nextdoor. The marquee was torn down in the 1970s
and the theater was forgotten.
But in 2001 Kiefer's Furniture closed, the property sold and a new owner planned to renovate the whole block of storefronts. Neighbors were surprised to find that the etched glass, art deco light fixtures and elaborate murals were still inside, untouched by sunlight or construction. A community group formed to save the theater and quickly received the support of hundreds of local residents. |
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In early 2002 the building was used to hold construction materials for the renovation of neighboring buildings. Play the movie at left for a short tour of the inside of the theater during this period, and hear Pat Jordan Garcia talk about her youth in El Cerrito in the 1930s and 1940s, and rediscovering the theater in 2001. |
