Bayview Opera House Named First Federal Historic Monument in Southeast Sector of San Francisco

Renovated Newcomb Avenue entrance. Photo courtesy of Bayview Opera House

SAN FRANCISCO, April 4, 2011: After years of advocacy to protect and restore this landmark building, the San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) and tenant organization Bayview Opera House, Inc. are pleased to announce that the South San Francisco Opera House (known as the Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre) has been approved for the National Register of Historic Places by the National Parks Service. National registration protects the Bayview Opera House’s historic building elements including the recently restored Newcomb Avenue façade and the newly-renovated 1888 Douglas Fir flooring, and strengthens the organization’s ability to receive funding toward historic preservation.

One of the oldest surviving entertainment venues in San Francisco, the Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre (BVOH), which is one of four city-owned cultural centers located in San Francisco, remains a central community space for arts and other social activities for the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. BVOH was the first cultural building constructed in the neighborhood and has served for decades as the chief social center for the district, regularly presenting performances, after-school and summer arts programs, and providing affordable space rental to community organizations.

BVOH is the very first landmark in District 10 to be inducted to the National Register of Historic Places. “This registration validates the impressive amount of community work done out of the cultural center and in the neighborhood at large,” said District 10 Supervisor Malia Cohen. “We enjoy such a rich history in southeast San Francisco. It is right that one of Bayview’s treasures has received this recognition of the highest order.”

National registration is just one crucial part of an ongoing effort to restore the Bayview Opera House to its original glory. In 2005 through Save America’s Treasures, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi granted BVOH $197,000 to enhance the building’s historic fabric. “Thanks to funding from Save America’s Treasures for BVOH, the building is finally nationally-recognized as historic and receiving the important attention that it deserves,” said Director of Cultural Affairs Luis R. Cancel.

Save America’s Treasures funding became the catalyst for the nomination for the National Register, bringing national and local historic preservation awareness to BVOH. “Making it onto the National Register of Historic Places not only validates the Bayview Opera House as an important historic landmark, but it also means access to historic preservation grants only available to registered properties,” said Barbara Ockel, interim managing director of BVOH.

BVOH, once known as the South San Francisco Opera House, was originally built in 1888 by San Francisco Masonic Lodge No. 212 as a performance hall for the Lodge and community as a whole. Building designer, Henry Guilfuss, well-known for his distinctive blend of Italianate style, came to define Victorian architecture in San Francisco. Throughout its 122-year history, the building has maintained its original intended use as a performance space and community social hall, as well as original building elements such as the stage proscenium paintings, the auditorium floor, and the balcony perimeter.

“Native San Franciscans and tourists alike should visit BVOH and experience its historic legacy,” said Director Cancel. “The Center is on its way to being restored to its original glory and the space is being programmed to insure that arts and culture continue to play a vital role in the neighborhood.”

On May 15, 2011, there will be an event at BVOH to honor Hunters Point Shipyard artists’ colony founder, Jacques Terzian for his contributions to the Hunters Point-Bayview arts community. A Retrospective: Jacques Terzian, Founder of “The Point” Artist Colony, the adjoining exhibition with artwork by Terzian and Shipyard artists JoeSam and Stephen Namara, will be on view April 2 through June 5, 2011. BVOH is located at 4705 Third Street in the heart of the Bayview-Hunters Point district—San Francisco’s most ethnically diverse community. For more information about BVOH’s programming and history, visit http://www.bvoh.org.

About the San Francisco Arts Commission

The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) is the City agency that champions the arts in San Francisco. We believe that a creative cultural environment is essential to the City’s well-being. Established by charter in 1932, SFAC programs integrate the arts into all aspects of City life. Programs include: Civic Art Collection, Civic Design Review, Community Arts & Education, Cultural Equity Grants, Public Art, SFAC Gallery, Street Artists Licensing, and the San Francisco Symphony Youth and Family Concert Series. The agency’s core values are committed to the principle that all residents have equal access to arts experiences in all disciplines, that programs are provided comprehensively and evenly throughout the City, and that they are innovative and of the highest quality.

About the Bayview Opera House

Built by the Masons in 1888, the Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre (BVOH) is a national historic landmark. It offers arts education for youth and adults year round for free or at a low cost, and presents many cultural events throughout the year, including art exhibits, concerts and plays. It is also available for rent for private parties and is easy to reach by public transit.