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Economic Development

Historic Colfax Theatre building on Main Street in Colfax CA

Own a Piece of Colfax History – The Iconic Colfax Theatre Is for Sale

When the golden age of cinema swept across America, towns like Colfax, California, found themselves hosting architectural jewels that would shape their identity for generations. Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Colfax, the Colfax Theatre isn’t just a building—it’s a memory machine. Since opening its doors in 1939, the Colfax Theatre has been the heartbeat of a small-town storybook narrative. Today, it’s not just a venue—it’s a living artifact, and now, the Colfax Theatre is for sale, looking for a new chapter.

A Glimpse Into Colfax CA’s Past

Located along the famed First Transcontinental Railroad and named after Schuyler Colfax, the 17th Vice President of the United States, Colfax CA has long been a crossroads of culture, commerce, and community. Its historic downtown, dotted with buildings that whisper stories of the Gold Rush and early 20th-century Americana, has evolved into a charming destination for visitors and locals alike.

Right at the gateway of this revitalized district stands the Colfax Theatre—bold, iconic, and enduring.

The Birth of a Community Icon

The year was 1939. While the world held its breath at the premiere of “Gone with the Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz,” Colfax proudly unveiled its own cinematic marvel: the Colfax Theatre. Built in the streamlined Art Deco style, the theatre mirrored the sophistication and hope of an era emerging from the shadows of the Great Depression.

With around 125 seats and glowing marquee, the theatre became more than a place to watch films—it was where stories came to life, romances bloomed, and generations connected.

Restoration and Renaissance: The 1980s Revival

Like many historic theatres across America, the Colfax Theatre faced decline in the latter half of the 20th century. But where some saw decay, the community saw potential. In the late 1980s, a group of passionate locals led a restoration initiative to bring back the building’s former glory. The project aimed to preserve its architectural charm while equipping it with modern amenities, effectively bridging the past and future.

This was not just a facelift. It was a full-hearted revival—turning the theatre into a space where live music, local theatre, and cinematic experiences could once again thrive.

Why the Colfax Theatre Matters Now More Than Ever

Downtown Colfax is on the brink of an exciting rebirth. Fueled by grant funding, heritage tourism, and small business investments, the town is crafting a new identity grounded in community, history, and culture.

As the southern anchor of Main Street, the theatre isn’t just centrally located—it’s symbolically vital. Its grand marquee serves as a lighthouse for opportunity. Any investor, preservationist, or dreamer looking to make an impact can find in this building a blank stage upon which to script the next act of Colfax’s story.

Potential Uses for the Colfax Theatre

Owning a historic theatre doesn’t mean just playing reruns of old films (though that would be charming). The Colfax Theatre offers incredible versatility:

Event Venue – Perfect for fundraisers and community gatherings.

Community Arts Center – Host performances, art exhibits, lectures, and workshops.

Live Music Venue – Think acoustic nights, jazz sessions, or indie band showcases.

Independent Cinema – Showcase local filmmakers or hold film festivals.

A Business Opportunity with Heart

Purchasing the Colfax Theatre isn’t just an investment in real estate—it’s a commitment to community. With Colfax’s population growing and its tourism on the rise, this space could become a cornerstone of local economic development.

And the timing couldn’t be better. The Historic Colfax Downtown Association is actively partnering with stakeholders, applying for grants, and driving initiatives to support projects just like this.

The Theatre’s Specs

📍 Address: 49 S. Main Street, Colfax CA
🗝️ Built: 1939
🎭 Seating: 125
🏛️ Style: Art Deco
📸 Status: Restored and structurally sound
See the pictures and get the details and request a tour >>

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you’re a preservationist with a passion for history, a business owner with an eye for opportunity, or a community organizer wanting to ignite creativity in your town—this theatre is your blank canvas. Read more about the sale details >>

Email the association directly at [email protected] to learn more, schedule a tour, or pitch your vision. We are here to support you turning our beloved theatre around and bringing music back to Colfax, CA.

Colfax Theatre: More Than a Building

The Colfax Theatre isn’t just for sale—it’s calling. It invites you to become part of something timeless. Whether you see it as an entrepreneurial venture, a preservation project, or a gift to a community that values its history, this opportunity is rare and meaningful.

Take the leap. Be the one who helps bring the curtain up on Colfax’s next golden era.

visit placer and colfax ca

Colfax and Placer County Positioned for Economic Growth Through Smart Destination Stewardship

On March 26, Visit Placer hosted the highly anticipated Regional Economic Development and Tourism Summit, drawing together business leaders, economic developers, tourism experts, and local officials from across Placer County, including Colfax, CA. In collaboration with Placer County’s Office of Economic Development and the North Lake Tahoe region, the summit spotlighted the county’s accelerating momentum in economic strategy, regional branding, and the bold transition toward long-term destination stewardship.

Event Hosts and Featured Speakers

The summit was organized by Visit Placer, in partnership with Placer County’s Office of Economic Development. It convened key players across both public and private sectors to spotlight ongoing developments. From trail connectivity to high-tech investment, it became clear: Placer County’s future includes Colfax.

Opening the event, Rob Haswell, CEO of Visit Placer, spoke on the need for unified branding and tourism planning across the region. Tony Karwowski, CEO of the North Tahoe Community Alliance, presented their innovative destination stewardship funding model, which has reinvested over $35 million into housing, transit, and sustainability efforts.

From the agriculture side, Camille Enriquez of Twin Peaks Orchards and Josh Huntsinger, Director of Agriculture, Parks, and Natural Resources, discussed how Placer’s farming heritage still drives modern food systems. These agri-voices aligned with the county’s renewed emphasis on farm-to-fork programs, which Colfax can leverage due to its rich rural roots.

Keynote Insights: Regional Growth & Economic Strategy

One of the keynote speakers, Gary Brumme, Senior Vice President of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, delivered an eye-opening presentation on how Placer County is becoming a hub for advanced industries, particularly in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and clean energy.

Brumme highlighted that Placer County is now home to major players like Bosch, which selected Roseville for its largest North American silicon carbide chip production site—positioning the county at the forefront of a $5 trillion global semiconductor industry projected by 2040.

Other companies mentioned included Solidigm, ASK of AI, Samsung, and AMD, each contributing to a diversified and resilient tech ecosystem. These firms bring high-paying jobs, innovation, and downstream support industries that benefit surrounding communities.

“If we do this right, we’ll see sustainable growth without compromising quality of life,” Brumme emphasized. “And we’ll see it move up the hill.”

Colfax in the Spotlight: A Rural Town Ready to Rise

Colfax isn’t just watching this change—it’s part of it. As tech and tourism industries expand across the county, Colfax’s natural beauty, accessibility, and cultural character offer new avenues for revitalization. Here’s how this growth could manifest:

Outdoor Recreation & Sustainable Tourism More urban dwellers are seeking nature-based getaways. With Colfax’s trail systems, historic rail culture, and scenic vistas, the town stands to gain from tourism dollars directed toward environmental sustainability and heritage preservation.

Workforce Housing & Transportation Job growth demands housing solutions. Models like the Tahoe Workforce Housing Agency or Landing Locals show how rural towns can adapt. Colfax could become a pilot site for similar community-led housing programs.

Agri-tourism & Culinary Revival With the county’s Ag Marketing Program back in motion and a growing push

Destination Stewardship: Beyond Tourism, Toward Transformation

The summit underscored a shift from promoting tourism to managing it with purpose. One example is the North Tahoe Community Alliance, which uses a sustainable funding model where visitor-generated revenue supports:

  • Public transit
  • Beach and trail maintenance
  • Environmental education
  • Housing initiatives

Over 60 projects and $35 million in funding later, this approach shows what’s possible when communities view tourism as an investment, not an intrusion. Colfax could mirror this model, using its tourism dollars to build civic pride and infrastructure resilience.

Why This Matters for Colfax and Placer County Right Now

Placer County is at an inflection point. It ranks high in job growth, educational attainment, and quality of life. But sustaining this requires inclusion of rural towns like Colfax in every conversation—from housing to broadband access to preserving open space.

Colfax, with its proximity to I-80, rail history, and unique topography, isn’t a footnote. It’s a strategic partner in a broader regional growth plan. This summit reaffirmed that.

The path forward? Build on this momentum. Collaborate across towns. Embrace destination stewardship. And always remember: economic growth is strongest when it’s shared.

As Placer County continues to evolve as a hub for innovation, tourism, and sustainable growth, Colfax, CA stands ready to embrace its role in this regional transformation. With its strategic location, vibrant culture, and strong community ties, Colfax offers unique opportunities for economic expansion, outdoor recreation, and agri-tourism. Organizations like The Historic Colfax Downtown Association play a critical role in preserving the town’s rich heritage while supporting local businesses and future-focused development. Together, with county leaders and public-private partnerships, Colfax is poised to thrive as a model rural community contributing to Placer County’s dynamic economic future.