perform at the theatre. In 1979 the backstage area was extended, followed in 1981 by the opening of a new wing built onto the house on the Franklin Street side. This gave spaces for sets, coaches, and dancers as well as more administrative space. At the same time, the nearby Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall, with a stage the same size as that of the Opera House, was opened as part of the complex which included the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall. In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake caused major damage to the Opera House. The architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and the theatrical consulting firm of Auerbach and Associates were retained in 1992 to oversee the building's technical renovation and a seismic retrofit. At this time additional private donations were raised for extensive technical improvements. These include: State-of-the-art lighting system – which at the time, made it one of the most extensive and sophisticated systems in the world. Replacement of chambers for a never-installed organ with modern restrooms, sorely needed since the original construction. The organ is not needed with the completion of the nearby Davies Symphony Hall. An underground extension below the neighboring plaza to accommodate additional dressing rooms and backstage facilities. During this time, the foyer, auditorium, proscenium, mezzanine boxes, and all other interior architectural elements throughout the opera house were re-gilded as a part of a restoration project by John Canning & Co., an architectural arts restoration company out of Cheshire, Connecticut. Appearances in Media Foul Play (1978 film) Heart and Souls (1993) Steve Jobs (film) References Bibliography Tilman, Jeffrey T. Arthur Brown Jr.: Progressive Classicist. New York: W.W. Norton, 2006 External links San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center "Restoring a Beaux-Arts beauty" 1932 establishments in California Arthur Brown Jr. buildings Beaux-Arts architecture in California Buildings and structures completed in 1932 Civic Center, San Francisco Culture of San Francisco Music venues completed in 1932 Music venues in San Francisco Opera houses in California San Francisco Designated Landmarks Theatres completed in 1932 Theatres in San Francisco