The latest rendering of the proposed development for the Alexandria Theater property (18th & Geary)
The Alexandria movie theater closed in February, 2004 and since then has sat unused, deteriorating behind cyclone fencing. At times it’s been broken into and used by homeless, and at other times the front entry has been marred by graffiti and garbage. Last June, the theater’s blade sign had to be repaired and painted after high winds knocked portions of it loose.
The theater building has been on the selling block for awhile now, but there is interest in developing the property.
In January 2011, the Historic Preservation Commission heard from developers about plans for the property, which included a 221 seat theater and commercial retail space in the theater building, and a mixed use development on the back parking lot with retail space on the ground floor, residential units above, and underground parking.
And then it got quiet. We didn’t hear anything about the development moving forward and the theater continues to be a blight on the neighborhood.
Recently, Supervisor Eric Mar began asking questions again about the Alexandria and its development plans. It turns out that the development is still underway, though plans have changed since those that were shared in early 2011.
Peter Lauterborn, Legislative Aide to Supervisor Mar tells us, “the theater will stay part theater, part commercial, while the back lot is mixed use, with commercial on the ground floor and residences above.”
Sounds like the same plan, so why the delay? “They have changed the new building significantly in style and that has slowed it down somewhat. They claim the new design should fit in the neighborhood better,” Lauterborn said. He also sent us the rendering above which was provided by the architects.
On Friday, October 12, Supervisor Mar will host a neighborhood meeting about the Alexandria Theater to discuss its current upkeep as well as the revised development plans.
The agenda for the meeting includes a discussion of efforts by the Department of Public Works to keep the site clean in the short-term, and a presentation by the architect and the city planners on the development designs.
The meeting will take place at the Richmond District YMCA (360 18th Avenue) from 6pm until 8pm. You can find out more and RSVP via Facebook (though not required).
Sarah B.
Would love be there – can people who are not on Facebook go too? If so, please let me know how to RSVP. Thanks Sarah for spreading the word, great article.
Great question, Steph. Short answer, no!
This is totally open to the public; we really want to make sure everyone can contribute. No real need to RSVP, though it just helps to have a general sense of who can come.
I really hope to see you there and hear all that you have to share.
High time! It is a major eyesore and a hazard; it depresses the whole neighborhood instead of being a landmark and a destination. I hope this effort is not going to stop at a meeting for discussion, but actual work will be done on the site, and soon.
We, too, are seeing this as a chance to get the ball rolling. We’re working a lot with the owners and the Planning Department to make sure they are moving forward.
Your attendance at this meeting will help show them how important this project is to our neighborhood!