Brady Building--Empire Theater
historic place
The Brady Building—Empire Theater, located in San Antonio, Bexar County, stands as a significant historic place. Construction for the Empire Theatre began in 1913, with its grand opening on December 14, 1914. Designed by architects Mauran, Russell & Crowe, this European-style theater was considered San Antonio's largest and most modern at the time. It featured electric lighting, ceiling fans, and motorized stage equipment, hosting both vaudeville and motion pictures. The theater's interior was notably elegant, adorned with extensive gilding using gold dust and metallic leaf. In 1921, a severe flood caused nine feet of water to collect inside, damaging the interior and leading to the gold leaf being covered. Despite this, the Empire Theatre thrived in the 1920s, drawing Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin and Mae West for appearances. After World War II, the theater experienced a decline, eventually closing its doors in 1978. Through a $5 million renovation, it was restored and reopened in 1998 as the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre. The Brady Building—Empire Theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. This site reflects San Antonio's early 20th-century entertainment and architectural ambition.