San Francisco Theater Foundation advocates for Clay Theaters Landmark nomination support

Catherine Petrin, representing the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation, addressed the commission during a recent meeting, expressing gratitude for their unanimous support of the Clay Theater's landmark nomination. She emphasized the architectural and historical significance of the 1910 property, highlighting its potential for future use as a theater.

Petrin acknowledged concerns raised by some commissioners regarding the preservation of the theater's interior features, particularly the raked floor. She referenced the successful adaptive reuse of the Alhambra Theater, which retained its original floor while being transformed into a gym, suggesting that similar preservation could be achieved at the Clay Theater.

The foundation has a history of collaboration with the theater's owner, having supported various proposals to modify the interior for modern use, including a failed attempt to add a restaurant in 2015. Petrin noted that the theater was put on the market in early 2020, with an initial asking price of $3.5 million, which has since increased to $6.5 million.

Petrin reassured the commission that if the Clay Theater were to remain unused, it would not be due to its landmark status. The community is eager to see the theater reopened as a movie venue, and the foundation is ready to assist in any efforts to make that a reality. She concluded by inviting further questions and offering her support through the commission's representative, Pilar LaValley.