FOR SALE: Historic Colfax Theatre – 49 S. Main Street, Colfax

Own a piece of California’s cinematic and architectural history. The Colfax Theatre, built in 1939, stands as a crown jewel in the heart of historic downtown Colfax. Originally opened during Hollywood’s golden era, this beautifully restored Art Deco-style theatre is now available for purchase and ready for a new chapter.

Positioned at the southern gateway of revitalized Main Street, this property presents an exciting opportunity for investors, arts organizations, entrepreneurs, or preservationists looking to establish or expand a presence in a fast-growing Sierra foothill town. The Colfax Theatre is on the market!

Key Features

• 🔑 Ownership Type: Commercial Property for Sale
• 🏗️ Year Built: 1939
• 🪑 Seating Capacity: Approx. 158
• 🏛️ Architecture: Streamline Art Deco
• 🛠️ Restoration: Structurally sound and lovingly restored in the 1980s
• 🧱 Interior: Spacious main hall, stage, projection booth, lobby, and concession area
• 🌆 Location: Prime Main Street frontage in the Historic Colfax District
• 🅿️ Parking: Ample nearby public parking

Historic Significance

Opened the same year as The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind, the Colfax Theatre was once the cultural heart of the community. Over the decades, it hosted everything from movies and stage performances to civic events and community fundraisers.

Thanks to a passionate community effort in the late 1980s, the building was revitalized and today stands as a restored historic asset, ready to be reimagined for modern use. Notably, the Colfax Theatre is now up for sale, creating new possibilities.

Location Advantage

Colfax is located along the First Transcontinental Railroad and is a designated California Historic Landmark. It remains a thriving stop for visitors traveling via Amtrak, as well as tourists heading to Lake Tahoe, Auburn, or Nevada City.

Downtown Colfax is undergoing an exciting revival driven by small business growth, arts funding, and tourism interest—making this theatre a strategic location for economic and cultural development.

Potential Uses

The Colfax Theatre offers flexible zoning and layout, ideal for:

• 🎬 Independent Movie Screenings & Film Festivals
• 🎤 Live Music & Performance Venue
• 💍 Event Rental Space
• 🧾 Hybrid Café & Entertainment Hub

Why This Property?

This isn’t just a real estate listing—it’s an invitation to own an icon.

Colfax is experiencing momentum. Local and state grants are actively supporting heritage tourism and downtown development. The Historic Colfax Downtown Association is a proud partner in connecting buyers with local resources and investment support. Owner-operators and mission-driven buyers are especially encouraged to apply. Consider the Colfax Theatre for sale as a step into the world of art and commerce.

Colfax Theatre: A Blank Canvas With a Storied Past

Whether you dream of opening an indie cinema, hosting weekly open mic nights, or launching a creative arts hub, the Colfax Theatre is a canvas waiting for the next visionary. With its rich roots and strong community spirit, this property is perfect for those who want to blend business, culture, and history.

Don’t just buy a building. Invest in a landmark. Restore a community icon. Inspire the next generation.

Contact Us Today
Reach out to the Historic Downtown Colfax Association to find out more about the opportunities to purchase history in Colfax Ca!