Beloved Theater Is Being Brought Back To Life

SAN LORENZO, CA — It’s official: the historic Lorenzo Theater will soon be undergoing renovations, and all are invited to celebrate.

A groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the theater on Thursday at 10 a.m., marking “phase 2” of the Lorenzo Theater “Fire Rehabilitation and Renovation Project.” The initial phase of the project occurred in 2022 and 2023.

"After decades of working tirelessly to save this historic gem, we are thrilled the Lorenzo will once again be a beacon of pride for the [San Lorenzo] Village,” said Lorenzo Theatre Foundation members.

Founded in 1999, the Lorenzo Theatre Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the theater.

The Lorenzo Theater was built in 1947 and later closed its doors in 1982, remaining vacant thereafter. It endured two fires in 2020, resulting in significant damage to the venue.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved a $17.8 million construction contract with Plant Construction Company, L.P. to renovate the theater, according to the Alameda County Community Development Agency.

"The Lorenzo Theater is a cultural landmark and a source of pride for San Lorenzo," said Sandi Rivera, director of the Alameda County Community Development Agency. "This restoration is a key step in revitalizing the downtown area and creating new opportunities for community, culture, and economic growth.”

The second phase of the fire rehabilitation project, slated to begin in September, will include interior reconstruction, mural restoration, and the preservation of the theater’s ticket booth, marquee and tower. The anticipated completion date of the construction is December 2026, according to county officials.

Alameda County District 3 Supervisor Lena Tam, who will be at the groundbreaking event, said she and fellow Alameda County board members “are committed to rehabilitating the historic Lorenzo Theater as a key component to the rejuvenation of the downtown San Lorenzo commercial corridor.”

“The renovation will create economic vitality and remind us of our community’s resilience,” Tam said.

The Lorenzo Theater is located at 16080 Hesperian Blvd., San Lorenzo.

To learn more about the history of the theater, go here.