"The year was 1922, and, on June 22, the Nasser family, having run a successful theatrical venue at the current location of the popular Cliff's Variety store, unveiled a sparkling new Castro Theatre, designed by 28-year-old Timothy Pflueger. Mayor James Rolph, Jr., and representatives of the Eureka Valley Promotion Association were on hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon before the sold-out 8 pm performance began."
"Flash forward and the year is 2026, and, on February 6, after decades of dwindling business and punishing wear and tear, months of lengthy and sometimes contentious public debate, followed by two years of painstaking historic revival, modern updating, and artistic refurbishing, Another Planet Entertainment welcomed hundreds of film afficionados, supporters of the live arts, and engaged neighbors to the new and improved Castro Theatre."
"Mayor Daniel Lurie, surrounded by other elected officials and dignitaries, not to mention a gaggle of Drag Queens, was on hand to help cut the rainbow-hued ribbon before opening the doors to the anxiously waiting crowd. If ever there was a Who's Who Night in the Castro, it was that night, overflowing with city officials, nonprofit directors, creative artistic leaders, and movers and shakers of all stripes."
Opened June 22, 1922, the Castro Theatre was designed by 28-year-old Timothy Pflueger for the Nasser family and debuted to a sold-out audience with civic leaders cutting the ceremonial ribbon. After decades of dwindling business and wear, the venue underwent two years of painstaking historic revival, modern updating, and artistic refurbishing, culminating in a February 6, 2026, reopening hosted by Another Planet Entertainment. The renovation far exceeded the original $15 million estimate, totaling over $41 million because of unexpected structural damage, commitment to restore original artistic elements, technical equipment overruns, and utility connection requirements. The reopening drew city officials, arts leaders, supporters, and celebratory neighbors.
Read at San Francisco Bay Times
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