Further details have emerged about the changes in store for the Castro Theatre in San Francisco when the historic movie palace is renovated later this year.
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When Bay Area-based concert production firm "Another Planet Entertainment" officially took over management of the city landmark in January, the company announced it would be "implementing significant improvements to the sound, lighting, production, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and the theatre's trademark marquee, among other facets of the building."
The idea behind the changes is to restore the facility so it's prepared to not only host film events, but also special events such as live concerts, live comedy and more.
David Perry, spokesperson for Another Planet Entertainment, detailed some of the planned alterations and upgrades to KCBS Radio, the most significant of which transforms the audience space on the ground floor.
"The permanent seating will be removed and what will go in is a space that can be opened for standing room or for special events but then when there is a concert style event or theatre event, this really wonderful, flexible seating will go in so you can have a film experience, just like people have been used to for years," he explained.
In addition, the concession stand will be moved from the lobby to the back of the first floor audience space.
"So the one thing that people will notice right away when they go into the Castro is the lobby will be much expanded, actually back to what it was when it opened in 1922," Perry said.
A second concession stand also will be added on the mezzanine level, which will also continue to have permanent seating, though Perry says that, as well as the concessions, are being upgraded,.
You'll find no shortage of opinions in the Castro about the upcoming renovations, with some advocating for upgrades to the venue while others prefer the space remain preserved as is.
"We are well aware that the Castro Theatre is literally a sacred space to the LGBT community and the film community and Another Planet is absolutely aware of that, they feel honored to have this heritage in their hands," Perry said. "I'm just really excited to see a local company pour this much passion and this much commitment to the community and this much commitment to preserving a historic landmark."
The renovation work is expected to begin in the fall and, according to Perry, will hopefully be finished by the spring.
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