Castro Theatre Closing Until Summer 2025 (Last Show is Feb. 4)
Another Planet Entertainment, the new owners of the landmark and iconic LGBTQ space, the Castro Theatre, will begin the long-awaited, yet controversial restoration of the historic venue beginning in early spring 2024. The final day of programming will be February 4. The renovation is scheduled to be completed by summer 2025.
“Another Planet Entertainment is thrilled to begin the work to restore the Castro Theatre to its 1922 architectural glory and ensure its continued place in the hearts of film lovers, music lovers and the LGBTQ+ community,” said Mary Conde, Senior Vice President for Another Planet. “In addition to restoring the magnificence of Timothy Pflueger’s original design, the Castro Theatre will now be more ADA accessible in the audience, onstage and backstage to all. Additionally, a state-of-the-art heating and air conditioning system will be installed, providing comfort and healthful ventilation. Finally, improved concessions, an expanded lobby, the restoration of the original proscenium arch and new, comfortable and flexible seating will make the Castro a venue that respects its heritage while embracing new, and ever more diverse audiences.”
“One of the defining features of the Castro is the tent-like painted ceiling which has been obscured from view for decades,” noted Jeff Greene, Executive Chairman and Founder of Evergreene, the firm overseeing the preservation work. “This element will be conserved and restored along with the unique sgraffito murals on the side walls to bring the whole back into harmony with Pflueger’s original vision.”
Beginning in 2022, Another Planet Entertainment has partnered with Bay Properties, Inc., owners of the Castro Theatre, on an evolution and preservation of San Francisco’s world-renowned entertainment and LGBTQ community landmark. With a long-standing history of working to preserve and improve historic buildings such as the Fox Theater in Oakland, the Greek Theatre in Berkeley and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, Another Planet seeks to enhance the Castro Theatre by implementing significant improvements to the sound, lighting, production, HVAC and the theatre’s trademark marquee and blade sign, among other facets of the building: all of this, always, with an eye to honoring its unique place in the lives of the Castro and celebrating its communities and residents.
Read more at David Perry & Associates, Inc.
