The historic California Theater is the new home of Opera San Jose and Symphony Silicon Valley.  Originally opened in 1927 as a motion picture theater, it was said to be the finest theater in California on its opening day.  The theater was built to seat 1,700 moviegoers and featured a grand theater organ.  The existing 46,000 square foot building required new mechanical systems appropriate to a professional performing arts facility.  Mechanical design includes an underfloor air distribution system in the auditorium for audience comfort, and a theatrical smoke exhaust system for quickly removing smoke, fog, and other theatrical effects.  A new 31,000 square foot “back of house” addition provides a rehearsal stage, practice rooms and dressing rooms.  Another new 20,000 square foot building houses the Music Room, Founders Room and cafe.   A  newly  commissioned Wurlitzer pipe organ required a separate air supply system.

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