BERKELEY — A fresh game plan has emerged that would rescue a key section of the historic California Theater in Berkeley and build a brand-new residential tower and live-performance venue at that site, city documents show.
An updated proposal shows how a housing tower might look when it sprouts behind the existing facade and marquee of the 108-year-old movie complex and how the front of the cinema palace would be salvaged and retained.
More than 200 apartments are being eyed as part of the development, which would rise at 2113 Kittredge St. in Berkeley, the plans on file with city officials show.
“The proposed project is a mixed-use building in downtown Berkeley with a live theater and residential dwelling units,” according to the development files.
The tower could accommodate 214 apartments and 22 affordable units.
“The project proposes to preserve the existing facade and marquee of the California Theater and to demolish the rest of the building,” stated the proposal by the property’s developer, Gilbane Development.
The California Theater was built in 1914, replacing a home and large shed that existed on that site prior to 1913, according to an April 2022 report by Berkeley’s Landmarks Preservation Commission.
The theater was originally known as the T&D Theatre, which was founded by J.T. Turner and Frederick Dahnken, who were major players in the West Coast entertainment industry.
“Together, they operated one of the largest independently owned chains of picture playhouses in the United States at the beginning of the twentieth century,” the city landmarks panel stated in its report.
In 1923, the entertainment venue was renamed the “California,” and was subsequently owned by the Fox West Theater chain.
“In 1933, National Theater Corp. acquired the property, and an extensive remodeling occurred, at which time the city’s consultants speculate that the extant marquee was likely installed,” the Landmarks and Preservation Commission reported.
Even with the addition of the housing, the developer of the proposed mixed-use project envisions the potential for an ongoing entertainment venue on the site.
“The proposed project is 15 stories and the live performance theater has approximately 300 seats,” the development plans state.
The city landmarks panel believes the existing facade and marquee have plenty to offer, even with the development of the housing.
“The subject property expresses and embodies the history of Berkeley through its direct associations with the development of downtown Berkeley as a center of commerce and transportation,” the city panel stated.
The theater site also could be an ongoing contributor to the neighborhood, according to the panel’s report.
“The California Theater is an important primary contributor to the establishment of a historic district in the greater Shattuck Avenue area,” the landmarks commission stated.
Source: www.mercurynews.com