Union Street in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Metro Theater Building
1924
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2019
1. Metro Theater Building Marker
Samuel H. Levin, Owner
1941
Otto A. Deichmann and Timothy L. Pflueger, Architect (Remodel)
The original design of the Metropolitan was rendered in the ornate Spanish Colonial Revival style, a popular and nostalgic style in 1920's California. The theater featured pilaster, scrolled pediments, medallions and finals on the primary facade. The interior was finished with painted plaster work and architectural details such as classical columns, ornate arches, beamed ceilings and decorative grilles.
In 1941 the theater name was shortened to "The Metro" along with a streamlined Art Moderne remodel which prominently featured the auditorium murals of Anthony B. Heinsbergen in building over the original architectural and decorative features, a mixed architectural style was created that included round wall corners, modernistic light features, a fluted proscenium surround and geometric railings around the terraced auditorium seating.
Amidst the ever declining patronage of single screen theaters, the Metro eventually closed in 2006. The building owners were able to re-open the doors of the Metro, but this time with the rich cinematic history of the building serving as a backdrop for a new
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Project Team:
Owner: 2055 Metro, LLG
Developer: Beachmont Development
Architect: Kahn Design Associates
Structural Engineer: Holmes-Culley
Contractor: Fisher Inc.
(Marker Number 261.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.
Location. 37° 47.841′ N, 122° 25.986′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Union Street. Marker is on Union Street near Webster Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2055 Union Street, San Francisco CA 94123, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Public Reading of HOWL (approx. 0.2 miles away); Talbot-Dutton House (approx. half a mile away); Haas-Lilienthal House (approx. half a mile away); Fort Mason Historic District (approx. half a mile away); Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (approx. half a mile away); Golden Gate National Recreation Area Legislation
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2019
2. Metro Theater Building Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2019
3. Metro Theater Building Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2019
4. Metro Theater Building
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 187 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 22, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
