The Endangered 8: 2024
San José's Most Threatened Architectural and Cultural Landmarks
Burbank Theater
Location:
560 S. Bascom Avenue
Date:
Built 1949
Architect:
Cantin & Cantin
Threat:
Neglect, Redevelopment
Designed by theater specialists Cantin & Cantin, this Art Moderne showstopper remains vacant and in limbo three years after new owners purchased it with plans for a full exterior rehabilitation. A new proposal would now replace the theater with a five-story apartment block, demolishing everything but its iconic tower sign and marquee. However, funding for this new plan is uncertain and would require a rezoning unsupported by the City’s Urban Village plan for this key commercial gateway. Meanwhile the building is falling further into decay and remains prone to squatters, taggers, and scrappers despite a recent and questionable new paint job intended to “beautify” the site.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Real Deal, "Tru Investments aims to save part of San Jose theater in redevelopment," Feb. 1, 2024
Mercury News, "Historic Burbank Theater might become part of San Jose housing project," Jan 29, 2024.
Learn More and Take Action!
SIGN OUR PETITION to express your support for the preservation and adaptive reuse of the Burbank Theater.
Learn more about the theater's history: Historic Resources Report (Brunzell Historical, 2018)