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For over a century, the land beneath the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre has been a stage for the captivating dramas of San Antonio’s cultural history. This storied venue has undergone numerous transformations, each chapter adding to its legacy.
In the late 1800s, the site was home to the Turner Opera House, later known as Riche’s Opera, the Houston Street Theatre, the Alhambra Theatre, and finally the Empire Opera House. It was in 1890 that Thomas Brady took the reins and began a transformation that would forever alter the theater’s course.
Brady revamped the Empire Theatre into a haven for “wholesome” theater, a distinction it upheld until 1913 when he unveiled a new Empire Theatre within the Brady Building. Designed by the acclaimed firm Mauran, Russell & Crowe of Saint Louis, this new Empire Theatre marked a turning point in San Antonio’s entertainment scene.
As the city’s first modern theater, it dazzled audiences with its European-style opera house design and technological innovations. Electric lighting, fans, and motorized stage equipment set the Empire apart, enabling it to host a diverse range of performances, from legitimate theater to vaudeville and motion pictures.
Stepping inside the Empire Theatre was like entering a world of opulence. Every inch of the interior was adorned with intricate gilding, with goddesses, floral designs, and medallions covered in gold gilt and various metallic leaf shades, including bronze and copper.
The auditorium spanned four floors, featuring two balconies, side boxes, and a magnificent proscenium arch adorned with lavish plasterwork. Its renowned acoustics made it a venue of choice, and a Robert Morton 3 manual 10 ranks organ added to the musical grandeur. Outside, a copper sculpted eagle graced the marquee, capturing the essence of flight and entertainment. Later, a towering vertical marquee overlooking St. Mary’s Street further adorned the facade.
Throughout its heyday, the 1920s, Hollywood luminaries like Charlie Chaplin and Lon Chaney graced the Empire’s stage for film promotions. Even through the Depression years, the Empire Theatre thrived, hosting stars like Mae West, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers.
However, tragedy struck in 1921 when a flood submerged the theater under nine feet of water, causing extensive damage. Despite the disaster, the theater’s owners chose to paint the entire auditorium white during the cleanup, abandoning the original color schemes and gilding.
After years of decline, including a stint screening adult films, the Empire Theatre closed its doors in 1978. A decade later, the city of San Antonio embarked on a mission to rescue this historic gem with the support of The Majestic Empire Foundation.
The painstaking restoration effort brought back the original autumnal color scheme and restored pounds of gold leaf to the plasterwork. The proscenium arch and its gilded goddesses once again shimmered under warm lighting. Even the copper eagle, found hidden in a ladies’ room during renovation, was returned to its perch.
The Empire Theatre was renamed by the City of San Antonio in 1998 as the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre to recognize a $1 million gift by Charline and B.J. (Red) McCombs. After being dark for nearly 25 years, this golden jewel was restored in 1998 at an approximate cost of $5.5 million.Today, it stands as one of San Antonio’s most cherished entertainment destinations, alongside its more famous neighbor, the Majestic Theatre.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1999, the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre continues to host a diverse array of events, from concerts and musicals to children’s theater, cabaret-style shows, and banquets. It’s a living testament to the enduring power of history and the magic of entertainment.
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