Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Theatre Del Mar

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013

1. Theatre Del Mar Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In Memory of Chuck Volwiler (1956-2002) Booming theatre business in Santa Cruz led the Golden State Theatre chain to replace the 700-seat Unique with the 1,500-seat Del Mar in 1936. The movie palace was a flagship of the chain, with a stage and 25-piece orchestra pit for vaudeville acts and conventions. From his Del Mar offices, Barney Gurnette also managed the New Santa Cruz and Rio Theatres. Live Del Mar shows continued into the 1970s, with concerts by Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, Jerry Garcia, Tom Watts, Emmylou Harris and the Tubes.
When a Chamber of Commerce bid failed to purchase the theatre, United Artists partitioned it into a four-plex in 1978. 1999 plans to convert it into shops and offices were stopped when a coalition was formed to save the theatre in 2001. The city redevelopment agency purchased the theatre, installed an elevator, and made the facility thoroughly accessible for the disabled. Jesse Nickell of Barry Swenson Builder and George Ow Jr. renovated the structure and main auditorium; and the Nickelodeon’s Jim Schwenterley and Chuck Volwiler outfitted it for movies.

Plaque designed by Ross Eric Gibson
Original Builder:

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Golden State Theatres
Architect: J. Lloyd Conrich
Designer: Wm. Chevalis
Restoration Architect: Arnie Lerner

Erected by Barry Swenson Builder.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 36° 58.347′ N, 122° 1.534′ W. Marker is in Santa Cruz, California, in Santa Cruz County. Marker is on Pacific Avenue south of Lincoln Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1124 Pacific Avenu, Santa Cruz CA 95060, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Hihn Building (within shouting distance of this marker); University Town Center (within shouting distance of this marker); J.J. Newberry Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Theatre Building (about 500 feet away); ZaSu Pitts House (about 500 feet away); Calvary Episcopal Church (about 700 feet away); First Services (about 700 feet away); Patrick Neary Building (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Cruz.

Theatre Del Mar and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013

2. Theatre Del Mar and Marker

Theatre Del Mar image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013

3. Theatre Del Mar

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 10, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 514 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 10, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.