The Lost Church seeks permit for new theater location on Chestnut Street

The City of San Francisco has taken a significant step towards enhancing its cultural landscape by approving a permit for The Lost Church, a nonprofit theater, to operate at 665 Chestnut Street. This decision, made during a recent city council meeting, marks the first application under Proposition H, which allows for specific entertainment uses in designated areas.

The Lost Church, which began as a small theater in the owner's living room, has grown into a well-respected venue known for hosting a variety of performances, including plays, comedy, and acoustic music. The theater aims to continue its mission of providing accessible arts to the community in its new location, which has been approved for use as a theater, with the stipulation that alcohol cannot be sold during performances.

In preparation for this move, the theater's management conducted extensive outreach to local residents and businesses, sending nearly 100 letters and receiving 35 letters of support from community members. While there were five letters of opposition, the owner, Brett Klein, actively engaged with neighbors to address their concerns, even hosting a community Zoom meeting that attracted around 20 participants.

To further mitigate potential issues, The Lost Church has agreed to limit its entertainment hours to conclude by 10:30 PM and to manage patron access through designated exits to minimize disruption. The city staff has recommended these conditions based on the feedback received during the neighborhood mediation process.

The approval of this permit not only supports the arts but also reflects the city's commitment to fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment. As The Lost Church prepares to transition to its new home, it aims to continue its legacy of providing a platform for artists and a welcoming space for audiences, reinforcing the importance of local arts in San Francisco's vibrant community.