It's been one year since the 103-year-old Castro Theatre (429 Castro St.) closed for much-needed renovations.
Originally Another Planet Entertainment (APE), who took over programming, planned to reopen the theatre after an 18-month renovation by Summer 2025. However, those plans have been pushed back until late 2025 or beyond.
As first reported by the Bay Area Reporter, APE project manager Margaret Casey explained at a recent Castro Merchants meeting that an issue with PG&E caused the delay.
"Our current issue is PG&E," explained Casey. "We need to add power for our lighting and sound systems. We have a couple different options for where we draw power from — one is simple and easy, one is complicated — and we have no control over any of that, so we have been very much in a holding pattern."
APE took over Castro Theatre programming in 2022. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
A PG&E spokesperson challenged those claims and stated "PG&E has completed the contract for this project."
According to the spokesperson, PG&E held a preconstruction meeting in November 2024 with APE contractors to discuss an electricity hookup. Two months after the meeting in January, contractors proposed a different location.
"We continue to wait for Another Planet to trench to the connection point agreed upon in November," the spokesperson stated. "Once the company completes the trenching work and passes inspections, PG&E can schedule the construction work for energization."
In response, APE spokesperson David Perry stated, "We are working closely with PG&E on this matter and look forward to finalizing a solution to bring the needed upgrade to the electrical service into the theater as soon as possible."
The orchestra-level seating inside the Castro Theatre has been removed (April 2024). | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
While APE and PG&E work out this issue, renovations inside the theatre are ongoing.
On a recent visit by a Hoodline reporter, multiple large shipping containers were stacked in the SFMTA-owned parking lot behind the theatre. Posted permits in the parking lot indicate construction workers have taken over 9 spots from March 1 until April 1.
An employee tells Hoodline that contractors use the shipping containers to store equipment and tools.
Shipping containers have been stacked in the public parking lot. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
According to public records, construction permits were issued in October for work including renovation and addition to the floor, adding an organ lift and cover, HVAC system, theatrical system upgrades, fire alarm, and lighting and plumbing upgrades.
In December, APE filed an addendum to the permit to replace the since removed orchestra-level seating with four-tiered sections of platforms with removable seats on a motorized raked floor.
Total construction costs are estimated at $5.79 million.
Restoration work on the ceiling and plaster work has been completed (April 2024). | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
APE created a Castro Theatre renovation updates section on its website, however it has not been updated since last summer.
In response to providing updates, Perry tells Hoodline, “When we have major updates to the construction timeline for reopening the Castro Theatre we will update the website accordingly."
"Shortly, we will be posting updates including trenching that PG&E requires in addition to some other general construction updates," added Perry. "We are working hard so that we may return the Castro to the community as soon as possible.”
Perry declined to answer any further questions about the ongoing renovations and remodeling.
Last June, the Castro Theatre marquee and blade sign were restored by San Francisco Neon. Evergreene Architectural Arts also restored the ceilings, murals, and plasterwork.
According to the outdated website, work is in progress on restoring the lighting fixtures, installing new heating and cooling, adding and expanding the bathrooms, and improving ADA access.
The latest rendering of the proposed seating floor plan. | Image: Castro Theatre
Recently, two adjacent businesses renting space from the Nasser family, who owns the theatre and the two storefronts, say their future is uncertain as they negotiate new leases.
Neighborhood favorite coffee shop Castro Coffee Company (427 Castro St.) and Castro Nail Salon (431 Castro St.) are skeptical that they'll be able to sign a new three-year lease, as they typically do.
"Negotiations between landlords and tenants are a private matter, however, these businesses are important fixtures on the upper end of the 400 block of Castro Street that help drive footsteps in the daytime and keep the block thriving and vibrant. We hope that some resolution can be found to ensure the continued vibrancy," stated Castro Merchants vice president, and soon-to-be president, Nate Bourg.
