SAN FRANCISCO — While the cultural significance of San Francisco’s venerable Castro Theater is undisputed, heated debate rages on over a proposed renovation plan that would replace the theater’s seats.
The plan drew a violent reaction after it was revealed that the tenant was planning to remove the first floor seats. Opponents say it would mar the theatre’s history, while proponents say it would help revitalize the venue.
Joe Sangiardi moved to San Francisco with his husband four years ago to live together in the Castro District.
“We wanted to be part of a legacy that we can live into, that we can live our lives here and be a part of something much bigger than ourselves,” Sangirardi said.
Sangiardi says he loves the neighborhood, the sense of community, all the unique local shops and of course the iconic theatre.
“It’s the cornerstone of our community here in Castro,” Sangirardi said.
Rob Byrne also loves the theatre. He has been attending shows for over 35 years.
“We moved to the Bay Area in 1987 and I’ve been coming here since the day we moved here. It was an absolute Mecca for us,” said Byrne, who is a member of the Castro Theater Conservancy.
But while both Sangiardi and Byrne share a common love for the centuries-old venue, they differ dramatically when it comes to what they think is best for its future.
The Castro’s owners announced last year that they were working with local promoter Another Planet Entertainment (APE) to refurbish the venue and convert it into a mixed-use facility capable of hosting both films and concerts. The plan would require the permanent seating to be removed from the venue’s ground floor.
Sangiardi said when he found out about the plan he was excited.
“I mean, we’re talking about tens of thousands of people who come to the Castro all the time, not just to go to the theater, but to get drinks, shop or have dinner,” Sangirardi said.
But Byrne had the opposite reaction. He believes that this would essentially hollow out the theater and turn it into a concert hall rather than a mixed-use space.
“Converting this space into a single-use, live-music-only venue, with flat floors, no seating, and operating only a few days a month is simply a crime against the City of San Francisco,” Byrne said .
The two residents of the Castro district are not alone in their disagreement. The controversy has become so heated that the board of directors intervenes.
In April, the city’s Land Use and Transportation Committee voted to designate the Castro’s seats as part of its historic landmark.
If that decision stands, when put to a full vote by regulators in May, it will essentially halt APE’s plans.
Sangiardi says he’s concerned that APE could shut down their project altogether.
“To look at a massive investment in our community it’s such a vote of confidence in the future and I think it would really be a disservice to a lot of the work that people have done in our community if they tried to end this deal and stop this investment in our community,” Sangiardi said.
Byrne disagrees.
“APE is not the only organization that can fund a complete renovation and keep the place available and active and vibrant 365 days a year,” Byrne said.
Both residents say they will continue to rally support for their respective sides and lobby for city officials every day until that final vote.
