Castro Theatre plans unveiled as LGBTQ construction group signs agreement to partner on work
Proposed plans for the renovation of the Castro Theatre appear to be more extensive than originally implied by the historic movie palace's new management.Meanwhile, Another Planet Entertainment, the new management company, will partner with an LGBTQ industry association for construction and architecture as part of the renovation and restoration of the San Francisco movie palace.APE announced in January that it will be in charge of programming at the theater, which will be expanded to include live music, comedy, and community events in addition to films.The plans, submitted March 10 to the San Francisco Planning Department by San Francisco-based architecture firm Page & Turnbull, illustrate more significant changes to the historic theater than initially thought.
The plans were commissioned by APE, the Berkeley-based concert promoter that manages several historically significant venues around the Bay Area, as well as produces the popular Outside Lands concerts in Golden Gate Park.While APE has stated it is committed to maintaining the theater's status as a destination for movies, the proposed plans detail changes that physically alter the venue's focus from film-viewing to live entertainment.
Banked seats in the main auditorium, for example, will be removed and replaced with tiered platforms for standing audiences.
Chairs, or what APE spokesperson David Perry described to the San Francisco Chronicle as "movable, comfortable, flexible seating," would be brought out for films or other events.
