Alameda Theater (East Los Angeles)
| Address | 5136 Whittier Boulevard East Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34°01′14″N 118°09′32″W / 34.0206°N 118.1589°W |
| Capacity | 916 |
| Screens | 1 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1931 |
| Closed | 1986 |
| Architect | Clifford A. Balch Walker & Eisen |
Alameda Theater, also known as United Artists Theater, East Los Angeles, is a historic former movie theater located at 5136 Whittier Boulevard in East Los Angeles, California.
History
Clifford A. Balch and Walker & Eisen worked together to design Alameda Theater, one of thirteen Art Deco theaters designed for United Artists by the trio.[1] The theater, which sat 916,[1][2] was built for United Artists but was operated by Fox West Coast Theaters soon after completion.[3] Construction was budgeted at $57,500 ($1.19 million in 2024).[1]
Alameda Theater screened Spanish language films from 1972 until the theater closed in 1986.[4][5] An auto stereo store occupied the building c. 2010.[2]
Architecture
Alameda Theater features a vertical Art Deco facade[2] that Los Angeles County considers to be characteristic of the Art Deco style.[6]
In popular culture
Alameda Theater was featured in Boulevard Nights.[7]
References
- ^ a b c "A Group of Small Theatres". Motion Picture Herald. 105. Quigley Publishing Co.: 1242 1931.
- ^ a b c Michelson, Alan. "Alameda Theatre, East Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA". Pacific Coast Architecture Database. University of Washington. Retrieved July 10, 2025.
- ^ "United Artists Theater, East Los Angeles". Los Angeles Public Library Digital Collections. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ Gabel, William. "Alameda Theatre". Cinema Treasures. Retrieved July 10, 2025.
- ^ Baker, William (December 9, 2021). "The lost and found theaters of Eastside LA". University Times. California State University Los Angeles.
- ^ "Los Angeles County Metro Area Plan Project — Historic Context Statement" (PDF). Dudek. September 2022. p. 185.
- ^ "A reminder of Whittier Boulevard's movie-house past is up for sale". The Eastsider. November 4, 2014.