Historic Masonic Lodge & Needles Theater

823 Broadway, Needles, CA
Phone:

East < GO > West

In 1929 the Masonic Order had this building constructed for around $120,000. They leased the main level to the Needles Theatre, and two shops, a real estate business and a Sweet Shoppe. The Masons occupied the second floor. There were 700 seats in the theater when it opened. The number of seats was apparently significantly reduced in a later remodeling.

The building has seen its share of calamities over the years. A roof fire in 1992 led to the theater closing. Then in 2012 a big storm ripped most of the roof off the building and in 2014 another storm did more damage. But with another new owner the efforts to restore the building continued. Sadly, a large section of the roof blew off in a windstorm in May of 2019, creating another major setback for any restoration of the building.

After the 1992 fire the building was empty until 1997 when the Masonic Order donated it to the City of Needles and the Chamber of Commerce was planning on renovating it in 2002. It became very expensive so it was sold in 2006. The marquee was renovated in 2007. The "Friends of the Needles Theatre" are raising funds to continue the renovation. It is located at the intersection of Broadway & F Street.

Photo(s): 2009