SAN JOSE, Calif.
After four years under construction, the San Jose Civic, a city landmark and historic theater venue, has officially re-opened.
“For more than 70 years, the Civic has hosted countless legendary performances that have contributed to the vibrancy of our downtown,” said Mayor Chuck Reed. “Renovating this historic auditorium into a 21st century, state-of-the-art venue will help us attract world-class shows and concerts that draw thousands of people to Downtown San Jose.”
Renovations range from patron experience items such as new lighting and sound package, new exterior lighting, new concessions, restoration of restrooms, installation of a Wall of Fame and new signage, new seats, new interior and exterior painting to building operational items including boiler replacement, upgraded dressing rooms, addition of ADA accessible elevator shared with the Montgomery Theater, new security system, new heating system and seismic upgrades.
The historic indoor venue, located in Downtown San Jose, has been partially open during renovations and will be host to a variety of shows, concerts, corporate rentals, family shows, special events and other events looking for a mid-sized theater with 3,326 seats. Team San Jose manages the San Jose Civic on behalf of the City of San Jose who owns the venue. Nederlander Concerts, Los Angeles-based concert promoter works in partnership with Team San Jose to promote and attract concerts and special events at the San Jose Civic.
Since 1936, this iconic venue has played host to legendary stars, including Duke Ellington, Buddy Holly, The Grateful Dead, The Who, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Cream, Frank Sinatra and the Rolling Stones.
The San Jose Civic is a designated City Landmark, circa 1936, designed by Binder & Curtis in the Spanish California Mission style. The Montgomery Theater is attached to the San Jose Civic. In 1933, Mr. and Mrs. T.S. Montgomery gave the City of San Jose the property where the Civic sits. In 1934, the cost of construction was $500,000, with the Federal Government’s Public Works Fund contributing $112,000 and a bond measure passed by San Jose residents supporting the rest of the $375,000.
The renovations were completed in different phases initially starting with the boiler replacement which had not been updated since the original installation in 1936. Garden City construction, a well-known San Jose-based historic renovation general contractor led the second phase of the renovations. Various local construction and design companies assisted with the restoration including: ELS Architecture and Urban Design, San Jose Boiler Works, BBI Engineering, Salas O’Brien, Charles Salter & Associates, Irwin Seating, Clarin Seating, Superior Fire, Legend Theatrical, Rutherford & Chekene Consulting, HM Mechanical Group, The Engineering Enterprise, The Shalleck Collaborative and Topflight Specs.
Event and ticket information can be found at www.sanjosecivic.com. The San Jose Civic is located in Downtown San Jose at 135 West San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113.
