This is the center section of the Alcazar, it is flanked by two matching wings.
In 1976, the Alcazar was awarded the highest rating for architectural significance in a survey of city buildings. Located at 650 Geary Street, between Jones and Leavenworth in the Tenderloin, it was built in 1917 at a cost of $150,000 as the Islam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. The Shriners, a men’s social and charitable organization of the Freemasons, used the building until 1970. The building was designed by Scottish-born architect Thomas Patterson Ross. The Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board referred to its style as Moorish Byzantine Eclectic, a style inspired by Oriental and Persian architecture. Some sources indicated that Ross, also a Shriner, was inspired by the Moorish palace of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.
The Shriners’ continued to use the building for meetings and other lodge functions until 1970, when it became the 511-seat Alcazar Theater. The name recalls an historic theater on O’Farrell Street that burned in 1906. A new Alcazar had been built on that site, but was demolished in 1963 to create a parking lot. The Alcazar Theater closed in 1984 but reopened in 1992 after undergoing a controversial rehabilitation. The garage was not a later addition but part of the original design. The Shriners often included commercial space in their buildings to help pay for the building and their other charitable projects.
Comments
10 responses to “Tenderloin – Alcazar Theater”
What an interesting piece of architecture to find in S.F. What a history it has. Pretty expensive to construct in 1917, too. Lovely shots. Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
Beautiful photography!!
Great set of photos. I particularly like the revealing details is some of your shots. The building really could be located in some far off land.
What a great photos ;o)
The building is beautiful!
What a gem! It does remind me so much of the Alhambra, which enchanted me when we visited Spain. It’s on my list now!
It’s a beautiful building. Thanks for the great photos.
Wow, what beautiful architecture. Thanks for sharing the info on it.
This building is BEAUTIFUL! Amazing photos of the architectural details 😀
Beautiful architectural details on your photos.
Regards!
Great shots and art all over! You have a great blog! 🙂 LG Tina