Community

The Empress has faced repeated disasters in its history, rising from the ashes to reign again each time.  Its greatest challenge, however, was the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, which nearly destroyed the theatre and left its future in question as it sat vacant and deteriorating throughout the remaining years of the millennium.

But many in Vallejo refused to give up their dream of restoring this symbol of Vallejo's vibrant past. And in 2004 three organizations -- the City of Vallejo, Vallejo Community Arts Foundation, and developer Triad Communities, formed a partnership to renovate the Empress Theatre and turn her into a vital center for arts and entertainment.  This section talks about the organizations and people responsible for returning The Empress Theatre to her rightful reign over downtown Vallejo.  It also lists potential resources for others seeking to initiate similar projects in their own communities.