The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-07-14
A THEATER IN RICHMOND,
A Modern Playhouse Will Soon
Afford Delight to the
Residents.
The Plans Are Being Drawn and
Work VIII Commence by
August /.

The residents OF the Richmond Dis
trict are keenly alive to all matters per
tanning to the public veal. 1t is but neces
sary to offer suggestion of some needed
improvement and the thing is as good a:
done.
The latest evidence of their determine
ton to keep abreast of the times is founc
in a new theater, the construction O.
which will begin in a very few weeks
The Richmond District has any number O.
small halls, where societies or semi-publi(
gatherings can meet, but there is not 6
hall in the entire district large enough tc
accommodate the greatly increased popu.
lation, should the occasion arise for any
great public demonstration. In growing
section like Richmond such an occasion is
liable to occur AID often, and it is to be
prepared for just such events that The
new opera-house is to be built.
In addition to all this the people believe
they are numerically strong enough to
support a trst-class theater, and they
want one more convenient to their homes.
AS it is now they are compelled to take
long inconvenient rides, besides making
one or two transfers, if they desire to at
tend theatrical performance.
The Richmond District theater will be
built by Robert Wilson. This gentleman
owns a lot 60x100 feet, on the corner OF
Point Lobos and Second avenues. 1t is at
this point the new playhouse will be
erected. J. h. Bond, who is closely iden-
titled with the business interests of Rich
mond, and who will probably manage the
theater, has this to say of the venture:
I'VE need just such building as this
one where monster meetings can be held,
or theatrical performances given should
firSt-clasS companies offer themselves 1t
is not improbable. however, that a Rich
mond company will christen the new thea
ter. The building will have frontage on
Point Lobos avenue of sixty feet, with
depth of 100 feet. The ground floor will
be used for mercantile purposes, the thea
ter occupying the floor above.
1.-The stage will have a depth of twenty
feet, which | think will be large enough TO
present respectfully the average play. New
scenery and stage settings will be secured,
and in fact that portion of the theater will
be fixed up in the latest and most APP
proved style. The seating capacity will be
ABOUT 700, which can be increased to $50
should the occasion demand. The build
ingis to be lighted by electricity and fitted
with such other conveniences as are found
in modern playhouses.
1.-The seats will be arranged to permit
their easy removal should the hall be de-
sired by any social gathering. The Rich
mond District has done much in the way
of increasing its population and building
handsome houses, but l know of nothing
that will benefit the section so much as
this new opera-house. The protector of
the enterprise, Robert Wilson, is now off
on bis summer vacation, but he writes me
that he will begin by the LIST of August.
The building complete will cost $4,000
according to the present estimate, though
everything is in readiness for the opening
night"