Our friends over at SFAppeal did some more digging into what the current owners of the Alexandria have in mind for the property.
The building is currently owned by a group called Alexandria Enterprises. They plan to turn the back parking lot into a 46-unit residential complex, “with ground floor commercial space and parking for both the theater and residents of that complex,” project consultant Ronald Yu told SFAppeal.
However, they do not know what they plan to do with the actual theater building. Yu said, “The theater is right now just to be renovated. We’re not sure on the use.”
One idea being discussed is opening it up to the Richmond YMCA which currently sits across the street on 18th Avenue. Surprisingly, one of the reasons the Alexandria is not considered a vacant building is because the YMCA holds a lease on the space for daily use, according to the SF Department of Building Inspection. I didn’t know that hanging letters on a marquee would be considered “daily use” of a property.
So what’s holding up development and improvement of the property? Apparently it’s the fault of the city’s planning department. According to SFAppeal, “The process has been stuck at the city Planning Department for years, representatives of the developers say.”
How does Richmond District Supervisor Eric Mar feel about the issue? One of his staff, Cassandra Costello told SFAppeal that they would love to see it developed, but offered no specific plans to work with developers or the community.
Thanks to SFAppeal for digging further into the state of the theater. I’m not sure how I feel about a 46-unit building taking over the back parking lot, but if it means that the theater will get some attention, it could be a good thing.
What do you think?
Sarah B.
Thanks for the update. Typical of Eric no vision or desire to be proactive just reactive.
As the Executive Director for the Richmond District YMCA, I need to clarify that we don’t hold a lease on the Alexandria of any kind, certainly not one for “daily use.” We have been using the marquee since it closed to increase visibility of our Y, but I don’t consider this to be daily use of the space.
We have had a couple of meetings with the partners of the building to talk about the possibility of the Y moving into the bottom or top floor of the theater once its renovated, but the project seems to be indefinitely stalled for a variety of factors. We would love to see this building renovated, and are open to the possibility of being part of this solution. If you would like any further information or clarification, please contact me at tpatterson@ymcasf.org or 415-666-9601.
Thank you,
Tiffany Patterson
Hi Tiffany –
Thanks for clarifying the details. I wonder why the Dept. of Building Inspection would tell SFAppeal that you have a daily use permit? Strange. I don’t think anyone would consider using the marquee to be “daily use”. Perhaps they’re trying hard to prove/misrepresent that the building doesn’t fall under the new blight laws?
Let’s hope the planning dept. moves things along sooner rather than later.
Sarah B.
If it isn’t Jimmy’s Old Car Picnic being mentally cast-aside, it’s the Alexandria sitting like a rusty hull on a weatherbeaten shore. Can we remove Eric Mar from office for obviously ignoring the very icons that make the Richmond District so unique, or is he too busy getting paid to do nothing.
I was disappointed not to have been contacted by the Richmond Blog for my comments on the Alexandria Theatre lot. I would very much like to work with the local businesses, community groups and neighbors to develop this site into a neighborhood serving use. Located in a prime transit rich area, this parcel would be perfect for affordable family housing or as a community resource center to compliment our existing community serving organizations in the Richmond. I have been in discussions with board members of the YMCA as well as their director, Tiffany Patterson, to support a community driven process for a mixed use development on the site. My office has also been in recent conversation with interested neighbors about a potential community famers’ market in the parking lot. I am also working with the Planning Department now to understand why the project sponsor’s proposal is delayed and how my office can facilitate on moving it forward. Thank you for bringing this issue to light and I look forward to working with members of our community on a project that will fit the character of our diverse communities.
Eric Mar
Supervisor, The Richmond District
Eric,
I’m sorry, but to be candid, that’s an extremely lame response.
It’s your job to stay in touch with your constituents. This blog is one of the biggest sources of local news for your district. This topic has come up before on this blog, weeks ago. The Alexandria has been an issue for years. Why are you only now joining the conversation? Why do you need an invite to leave comments on a blog? Why can’t you proactively reach out to the Richmond SF Blog to discuss this issue?
That’s nice you’re in discussions with various groups about the Alexandria. But why haven’t you mentioned anything about the Alexandria in your last three newsletters? (Published here: http://www.sfbos.org/index.aspx?page=2098) Why aren’t you soliciting input from your constituents? Why aren’t you sharing various options under consideration? What’s your timeline for getting something done?
WE are paying YOU to be on top of these issues. So, please, stop with this “I’m disappointed” act. Engage us. That’s your job.
Alan