The Burbank Theater opened in 1951 and was built by Cantin & Cantin, a father and son operation. It was first an arthouse theater, then a revival theater and finally a porn film theater until the year 2000 when it was shut down by the Santa Clara County DA. And while the building still stands, it’s future (and exterior) look dilapidated and precarious.

But catch that tall Moderne sign at dusk, just as the setting sun hits it and you can imagine how grand and imposing it once was.

The Burbank is now occupied by Studio Sharise, a performing arts school. But whether entrepreneurial and innovative uses like this can save this building remains to be seen.

Location:
552 South Bascom Ave