SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts, a cornerstone of Southern California’s cultural heritage, has officially reopened following a transformative $6.8 million restoration led by Design-Builder Tilden-Coil Constructors. The ambitious project preserved the theatre’s iconic 1920s architecture while modernizing its systems and amenities to enhance both performance quality and audience comfort.

A Storied Landmark of Hollywood’s Golden Age

Originally opened on August 15, 1928, the California Theatre was designed by John Paxton Perrine as a Vaudeville house and movie palace for the Fox West Coast Corporation. With its lavish architecture, expansive seating, and then state-of-the-art features, it quickly became a favorite destination for Hollywood filmmakers. The theatre hosted early screenings and world premieres of classics such as King Kong and The Wizard of Oz, serving as a testing ground for films before national release.

Architectural Legacy Meets Modern Excellence

A defining feature of the California Theatre is its original Style-216 Wurlitzer Theatre Organ, crafted to accompany silent films with symphonic depth and sound effects. As part of the renovation, the organ was meticulously restored and remains in fully playable condition, a living connection to the theatre’s cinematic roots.

In 2009, the California Theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance. Today, it continues to thrive as the home of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, hosting Broadway productions, concerts, and community performances that enrich the region’s arts scene.

Earlier this year, the theatre received the honor of “Best Performing Arts Venue” from Inland Empire Magazine, highlighting its continued excellence in the performing arts.

Inside the $6.8 Million Restoration

The restoration, performed by Tilden-Coil Constructors in collaboration with STK Architecture, was as much a technical achievement as it was a tribute to history. The multi-phase project balanced architectural preservation with modern upgrades, including:

• Historic Marquee & Façade Restoration: The theatre’s signature marquee was refurbished with a new LED letterboard and some LED look Neon lights. The exterior façade underwent structural repairs, painting, and replacement of the artwork paneling system. All exterior doors were brought out to the edge of the sidewalk, enlarging the interior lobby space and making the building frontage look cleaner.
• Interior Restoration: Public lobbies and corridors were refreshed, maintaining historic charm while improving accessibility.  Part of improving the lobby space was adding a beautiful chandelier in the center and replacing smaller HVAC units serving the smaller areas of the building.
• Lighting, Audio & AV Modernization: A state-of-the-art theatrical sound system was installed, bringing 21st-century performance capability to a 20th-century landmark.

Each restoration decision was guided by the principle of “preserving the past, enhancing the future,” ensuring that upgrades complemented the theatre’s architectural heritage rather than overshadowing it.

A Revitalized Gem for Generations to Come

Now reopened, the California Theatre stands as a vibrant bridge between San Bernardino’s storied past and its cultural future. Its revival has been celebrated by preservationists, performers, and audiences alike, marking a new chapter for one of the region’s most treasured landmarks. The meticulous restoration honors the theatre’s history while equipping it with the tools to inspire and entertain for generations to come.