Historic Preservation Commission delays Castro Theatre approvals, schedules landmark hearing for Dec. 7

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted on Oct. 5 to continue consideration of the Castro Theatre’s renovation approvals and to schedule the landmark designation amendment for Dec. 7, 2022, with the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) continued to March 15, 2023.

Supervisor Rafael Mandelmann’s office urged the Commission to hear the landmark designation amendment first to ensure the designation informs any renovation review. Jacob Benton, representing the supervisor, said the theater “is plainly in need of some long overdue TLC to restore the building” but asked that the designation be scheduled prior to COA deliberations so the community’s concerns can inform decisions. He also noted Another Planet Entertainment (APE), which recently took over operations from the Nassar family, had requested more time for community dialogue.

Community members and preservationists gave extended public comment. Michael Petrellas, a longtime Castro resident and activist, described ongoing trauma in the LGBTQ community and protested limitations on speaking; he told the Commission, “Silence equals death.” Several community leaders — including Jen Rak (Castro LGBTQ Cultural District land use chair), Lee Heffner, Stephen Torres (Castro LGBTQ Cultural District executive chair), Gerard Koskovich, Jan Klingelhoeffer and others — urged the Commission to separate the landmarking from operational approvals and to protect character-defining features, particularly the traditional orchestra-style seating.

Representing the theater owners, Jim Abrams — land-use counsel for the Nassar family — asked that the Commission keep the December joint hearing with the Planning Commission so the COA and other approvals are considered together, saying the family’s priority is keeping the theater open and viable. Planning staff noted the Commission previously granted one 90‑day extension and said the designation legislation should be heard by Dec. 7 to meet staff timelines; staff recommended an HPC-only hearing if feasible.

Procedurally, Commissioner Wright announced a conflict and recused himself from Items 5A and 5B; the Commission voted to accept the recusal. The Commission then moved, and on an amended motion approved continuing Item 5A (landmark designation amendment) to Dec. 7, 2022 (HPC only) and Item 5B (COA) to the second hearing in March 2023 (March 15, 2023). The continuance motion was recorded as passing unanimously after the recusal (vote recorded 5–0 on the amended motion).

Why it matters: The sequencing of a landmark designation and renovation approvals can determine which physical features are protected and which alterations may be allowed. Community speakers repeatedly framed the seating and interior character as essential to the Castro’s cultural and LGBTQ significance; advocates argued an early designation hearing would provide clearer guidance for renovation negotiations with APE and the property owners.

Next steps: The Commission’s hearing on the landmark designation amendment is scheduled for Dec. 7, 2022 (HPC only). The COA and related Planning Commission items are set for separate consideration, with the COA continued to March 15, 2023. The Commission’s decision to separate the items preserves the opportunity for more focused public comment on historic significance before permit-level design decisions are considered.