First-night attendees were rewarded with a lavish 76-page program with congratulations from many luminaries, including Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Harold Lloyd and Cecil B. DeMille.

Santa Barbara 's first and only eight-story building was designed by
A.B. Rosenthal and constructed by Charles Urton. Urton had never attempted a steel high-rise before, so he sent away for a series of "how-to" books to assist him in completing the project. After the earthquake of 1925 did almost no damage to the new structure, Urton proudly hung
a banner from the top floor of the building proclaiming: "Built by Charles M. Urton, Builder."

In addition to offering premieres and sneak previews of historic films such as Gone With the Wind and Guys and Dolls, The Granada has played host to the 20th century's greatest artists and entertainers: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Henry Fonda, Sir John Gielgud, Ethel Barrymore, Al Jolson, Will Rogers, Helen Hayes, Jon Vickers and Martha Graham have all graced the stage with their presence. The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, American Ballet Theatre, New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra and Berlin Philharmonic are but a few of the world-class companies to appear. The Granada is where art and history converge, a grand theatrical tradition that adds immeasurably to the spirit
of our city.