The Marina District of San Francisco is home to two historic movie theaters that have been integral to the neighborhood’s character since its commercial development in the 1920s and 1930s. Among these cinematic gems, the Presidio Theatre, located at 2340 Chestnut Street, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of neighborhood movie houses. While both the Presidio and Marina Theatres are currently temporarily closed, updates can be found on the website of their operator, Lee Neighborhood Theaters. For those interested in a deeper dive into the history of these and other San Francisco theaters, Bill Counter’s San Francisco Theatres blog offers a wealth of information.
As Alfonso Felder, Founder of the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation, aptly stated, “The Marina and Presidio Theatres have been neighborhood anchors for almost 100 years. Generations of Marina residents have been entertained within their walls and they’re great gathering places for the Marina and adjacent neighborhoods. They’ve outlasted just about everyone on Chestnut Street. Let’s hope we can get popcorn at the Presidio and sandwiches at Lucca for another 100 years.” This sentiment underscores the deep connection the community has with these local institutions, particularly the Presidio Theatre.
From El Presidio to Presidio Theatre: A History on Chestnut Street
Originally christened “El Presidio,” the Presidio Theatre opened its doors in 1937 at 2340 Chestnut Street. In its early days, it operated as a third-run neighborhood cinema, designed to complement the nearby Marina Theatre, which at the time primarily showcased second-run major film releases. The architectural design, a striking example of the Streamline Moderne style, was the work of W.D. Peugh and John H. Ahnden. Interestingly, historical blueprints reveal that the builders considered a more ornate “High Deco” style before settling on the sleek, aerodynamic lines of Streamline Moderne that define the theater today.
El Presidio Theatre, San Francisco, California, around 1939. The marquee advertises “NINOTCHKA,” a 1939 film, along with “Selected Short Subjects” and “Cosmetic Night,” featuring Constance Bennett Beauty Aids.
Two blueprints from the Gary Parks collection, both dated 1936, illustrating two potential designs for the theater. The High Deco design (bottom) shared structural similarities with the final built theater but featured a slightly taller profile.
In 1951, a new chapter began when Gerald Hardy acquired the theater and shortened its name to the Presidio Theatre. During the 1960s, under the operation of the Art Theatre Guild, the Presidio Theatre took a turn towards adult films, screening controversial movies like “I Am Curious (Yellow)” and “Deep Throat.” This period marked a significant shift in the theater’s programming and its place in the neighborhood.
(Click image to watch) KPIX Eyewitness News report from December 2nd, 1970, by Mike Lee and Ben Williams, covering the inaugural San Francisco Erotic Film Festival. The report includes footage of attendees arriving at the Presidio Theatre for a premiere, The Cockettes members Hibiscus and Tahara performing ‘By a Waterfall,’ and interviews with festival organizers and Supervisor Dianne Feinstein.
Revitalization and the Modern Presidio Theatre
The mid-1990s saw another transformation when Century Theatres took over the lease. Century Theatres not only renovated the Presidio but also transitioned it into a first-run cinema, bringing mainstream movies to Chestnut Street. However, this lease concluded in 2003, and the Presidio Theatre faced a period of closure. Community advocates, including The San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation, played a crucial role in advocating for its preservation during this uncertain time.
Frank Lee of Lee Neighborhood Theaters purchased the Presidio in 2003 and invested significantly in a half-million-dollar renovation. Reopening on Christmas Day 2004, the Presidio emerged as a four-screen, first-run cinema, revitalizing its role as a key entertainment venue in the Marina District.
The Presidio Theatre as it appeared before its 2003 renovation. Photo courtesy of the Syufy Enterprises collection.
According to Bill Counter’s San Francisco Neighborhood Theatres blog, the renovation involved some architectural modifications. The original sunburst chandelier in the main auditorium was removed to facilitate the creation of multiple screens. Despite these changes, the downstairs auditorium retained its original large screen and proscenium, preserving key elements of the theater’s historical character. Two smaller auditoriums were constructed in the former upper-tier seating area.
Today, the Presidio Theatre building is not only home to the cinema but also houses local businesses like Causwells restaurant and Ocularium optician, further integrating it into the fabric of Chestnut Street. The theater’s neon sign, a vintage beacon, remains in excellent condition, continuing to light up the neighborhood.
While the Presidio Theatre has undergone numerous changes throughout its history, its core purpose as a neighborhood entertainment venue has endured. From its beginnings as El Presidio to its current iteration as a modern four-screen cinema, the Presidio Theatre on Chestnut Street remains a beloved San Francisco institution. Moviegoers are encouraged to check the Lee Neighborhood Theaters website for updates on the reopening of both the Presidio and Marina Theatres and to support these historic local businesses.
The Marina Theatre in 2020. Heritage photo.
Further Reading:
Counter, Bill. San Francisco Theatres, 26 Oct. 2020, sanfranciscotheatres.blogspot.com/.
San Francisco Neighborhood Theatre Foundation, 26 Oct. 2020, https://sfntf.squarespace.com/.
