Ordinance No. 0109-23

Ord. No. 0109-23

in effect

FILE NO. 230192 AMENDED IN BOARD 6/6/2023 ORDINANCE NO. 109-23 [Planning Code - Landmark Designation Amendment - 429-431 Castro Street (the Castro Theatre)] Ordinance amending the Landmark Designation for Landmark No. 100, 429-431 Castro Street (the Castro Theatre), Assessor's Parcel Block No. 3582, Lot No. 085, under Article 10 of the Planning Code, to list the exterior features that should be preserved or replaced in kind, to add interior features to the designation, and to capture the property's full historical significance; affirming the Planning Department's determination under the California Environmental Quality Act; and making public necessity, convenience, and welfare findings under Planning Code, Section 302, and findings of consistency with the General Plan, and the eight priority policies of Planning Code, Section 101.1. NOTE: Unchanged Code text and uncodified text are in plain Arial font. Additions to Codes are in single-underline italics Times New Roman font. Deletions to Codes are in strikethrough italics Times l"k,v Roman font. Board amendment additions are in double-underlined Arial font. Board amendment deletions are in strikethrough Arial font. Asterisks (* * * *) indicate the omission of unchanged Code subsections or parts of tables. Be it ordained by the People of the City and County of San Francisco: Section 1. CEQA and Land Use Findings. (a) The Planning Department has determined that the actions contemplated in this ordinance comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq.). Said determination is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors in File No. ------230192 and is incorporated herein by reference. The Board of Supervisors affirms this determination. (b) Pursuant to Planning Code Section 302, the Board of Supervisors finds that the proposed amendment to the landmark designation of 429-431 Castro Street, situated within Supervisor Mandelman BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page 1 Assessor's Parcel Block No. 3582, Lot No. 085 ("Castro Theatre"), will serve the public necessity, convenience, and welfare for the reasons set forth in Historic Preservation Commission Resolution No. -----1303, recommending approval of the proposed amended designation, which is incorporated herein by reference. (c) On February 1, 2023, the Historic Preservation Commission, in Resolution No. -----1303, adopted findings that the actions contemplated in this ordinance are consistent, on balance, with the City's General Plan and with the eight priority policies of Planning Code Section 101.1. The Board adopts these findings as its own. Section 2. General Findings. (a) On May 24, 2022, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 249-22, initiating amendment of the landmark designation of the Castro Theatre pursuant to Section 1004.1 of the Planning Code. On June 3, 2022, the Mayor approved the resolution. Said resolution is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors in File No. 220550. (b) Pursuant to Charter Section 4.135, the Historic Preservation Commission has authority "to recommend approval, disapproval, or modification of landmark designations and historic district designations under the Planning Code to the Board of Supervisors." (c) Ordinance No. 355-77, enacted in 1977, designated the Castro Theatre (then 429 Castro Street), as Landmark No. 100. That ordinance, which is incorporated herein by reference but amended in accordance with Sections 3 and 4, required that the particular features to be preserved include those "included in the [the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board] resolution," which it "incorporated herein and made a part hereof as though fully set forth". The referenced resolution, Resolution No. 152 of the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board, stated "That the said Landmark should be preserved generally in all of its particular exterior features as existing on the date hereof and as described and depicted in the Supervisor Mandelman BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page 2 photographs, case report and other material on file in the Department of City Planning Docket LM 76.1 O," but it did not list those features in any detail. Moreover, those features refer only to the building's exterior. The resolution did not include any of the building's interior character- defining features as part of the landmark designation. (d) The Landmark Designation Fact Sheet prepared for this landmarking amendment was authored by Planning Department Preservation staff. All preparers meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for historic preservation program staff, as set forth in Code of Federal Regulations Title 36, Part 61, Appendix A. The report was reviewed for accuracy and conformance with the purposes and standards of Article 10 of the Planning Code. (e) The Historic Preservation Commission, at its regular meeting of February 1, 2023, reviewed Planning Department staff's analysis of the historical significance of the Castro Theatre set forth in the Landmark Designation Fact Sheet dated February 1, 2023. (f) On February 1, 2023, after holding a public hearing on the proposed landmark designation update and having considered the specialized analysis prepared by Planning Department staff and the Landmark Designation Fact Sheet, the Historic Preservation Commission recommended amending the landmark designation of the Castro Theatre under Article 10 of the Planning Code by Resolution No. 1303. Said resolution is on file with the Clerk of the Board in File No. 230192. (g) The Board of Supervisors hereby finds that the Castro Theatre has a special character and special historical, architectural, and aesthetic interest and value, and that its designation as a Landmark will further the purposes of and conform to the standards set forth in Article 10 of the Planning Code. In doing so, the Board hereby incorporates by reference the findings of the Landmark Designation Fact Sheet. Supervisor Mandelman BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page 3 Section 3. Auditorium Seating Findings. (a) Inclusion of fixed theatrical seating configured in the movie palace style as character defining interior features is vvarranted because these features relate to the Castro Theatre's architectural, historical, and cultural significance (b) Movie palaces \Vere often constructed by prominent architects and designers to shmvcase film in a highly stylized environment 11.1here the ambiance itself was part of the entertainment. The high merit of architectural and interior design was a concerted attempt to mirror the fantasy realm of the screen. Movie palaces included lavish auditoriums and other features to support a luxurious movie going experience. (c) The auditorium seating constitutes a defining characteristic of the space as a historic cinema, configured in classic movie palace fashion in gently curved rows. The seats on the orchestra (main floor) level are affixed to a raked floor, and the s11.1eep of the seating across the orchestra and the balcony not only creates a visual ambiance which immediately marks the space as a grand movie theater but also provides excellent sight lines for vie11.1ing films and live performances. (d) Architect Timothy Pflueger's original 1922 interior dra'iivings, as well as early interior photos, indicate auditorium style seating consistent with the present day configuration, including three sections (left, center, and right) divided by two aisles and flanked by two exit aisles, 11.1ith the number of rows, seats per ro1.v, and total number of seats comparable to the present day configuration. (e) As described in the Landmark Designation Fact Sheet, the distinctive configuration of the seats is linked to the theatre's cultural identity as the setting where notable directors, actors, musicians, writers, community leaders, and others have made substantive contributions to LGBTQ community building. Supervisor Mandelman BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page4 (f) In 2001, the Theatre was upgraded to include ne•.v auditorium seats in movie palace style, among other improvements. These changes were carried out vvith respect for the original style and function of the space. /'\s a result, the venue continued to retain a high degree of integrity, though adapted in a manner to support the contemporary events and needs. The orchestra continues to mark the Castro Theatre as a classic movie palace. The raked floors and sloping aisles are original; although the ne•.v seats were installed later, they fall within the second period of significance identified in this landmark designation. In person testimonials have documented the linkages of these features •.vith the intangible cultural heritage of the space, and hmv the configuration !ended to community building, audience participation, cultural production, and personal meaning for theater goers. Direct exchanges were regularly made betv.ieen the stage and house and numerous directors, actors, musicians, writers and community leaders took their places on the seats before being called up to the stage for events. Section -M-1. Amendment of Landmark Designation. (a) Pursuant to Section 1004.3 of the Planning Code, the Landmark Designation for 429-431 Castro Street (Castro Theatre), Assessor's Block No. 3582, Lot No. 085, is hereby amended as specified in Section 4 of this ordinance. (b) Appendix A to Article 10 of the Planning Code is hereby amended with respect to Landmark No. 100, to indicate that Landmark No. 100 has been amended by this ordinance. (c) In the event there is a conflict between the landmark designation in this ordinance and the landmark designation in Ordinance No. 355-77, the provisions of this ordinance shall prevail. Section 4a1. Required Data. Supervisor Mandelman BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page 5 (a) The description, location, and boundary of the Landmark site consists of the city parcel located at 429-431 Castro Street (Castro Theatre), in Assessor's Parcel Block No. 3582, Lot No. 085, in San Francisco's Castro/Upper Market neighborhood. (b) The characteristics of the Landmark that justify its designation are described and shown in the Landmark Designation Fact Sheet and other supporting materials contained in Planning Department Record Docket No. 2022-006075DES. In brief, the Castro Theatre is eligible for local designation as it is associated with events that have made a culturally and historically significant contribution to the broad patterns of San Francisco history and architecturally it embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction and represents the work of an architect of merit. Built in 1922 - a century ago - the Castro Theatre is the oldest and longest continually operating single-screen movie house in San Francisco, and the most ornate of San Francisco's extant movie palaces. It is considered the flagship theater of the Nasser Family, San Francisco's oldest movie business family. An early work of renowned Bay Area architect Timothy Pflueger, the Castro Theatre was the first theatre he designed and is considered one of his most iconic pieces of work. The theatre anchored early commercial development in the Eureka Valley neighborhood, now known as the Castro. Since the mid-1970s, the Castro Theatre has maintained a deep tradition of LGBTQ programming, including the world's largest and longest-running LGBTQ film festival. (c) The particular features that should be preserved, or replaced in-kind as determined necessary, are those shown in photographs and/or described in the Landmark Designation Fact Sheet, which can be found in Planning Department Record Docket No. 2022- 006075DES, and which are incorporated in this designation by reference as though fully set forth herein. Specifically, the following features are character-defining and shall be preserved or replaced in kind: Supervisor Mandelman BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page 6 (1) Exterior form, massing, structure, architectural ornament, and materials of the Castro Theatre, identified as: (A) (B) (C) fa9ade; (D) banding; (E) banding; (F) (G) (H) Overall form and massing; Concrete construction; Use of the Spanish-Colonial style on the theater's stuccoed west West fa9ade vertical blade sign profile, lettering, neon lighting, and Central west fa9ade marque profile, lettering, neon lighting, and Central bay arched mullioned wood window; Two-leaf, mullioned windows in flanking bays; Tile-clad freestanding ticket booth in recessed arcade with poster cases, glazed tile art, and unglazed tile walkway; (I) Glazed wood entry doors (five pairs); (J) Presence of storefronts flanking theatre lobby entrance; and (K) West fa9ade glazed tile bulkheads. (2) The character-defining interior features of the Castro Theatre are those depicted in photos and written description in the Landmark Designation Fact Sheet, all of which have been accessible to the public, including: (A) Lobby space featuring coffered ceiling, wood paneled doors to auditorium and to office space, mirrors, and chandeliers; (B) Stairs to the mezzanine on both north and south sides of the lobby; (C) Mezzanine balcony with stepped floor and presence of seating, including the original 1922 fixed seats; Supervisor Mandelman BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page 7 (D) Vast interior auditorium volume with raked floor, aisles, and presence of seatingpresence of seatingfixed theatrical seating configured in the movie palace style; (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) (J) Cast-plaster auditorium ceiling; Classically inspired sgraffito murals; Organ screens on stage return walls; Corinthian-pilaster framed proscenium; Art-deco metal auditorium chandelier; Presence of stage with organist lift; (K) Mezzanine lobby space featuring wall niches, a barrel- and rib vaulted ceiling with chandeliers, and stenciled borders; (L) Ramps from mezzanine lobby to mezzanine; and (M) Art-deco drinking fountain in lobby against glazed tile wall. Section W§. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective 30 days after enactment. Enactment occurs when the Mayor signs the ordinance, the Mayor returns the ordinance unsigned or does not sign the ordinance within ten days of receiving it, or the Board of Supervisors overrides the Mayor's veto of the ordinance. APPROVED AS TO FORM: DAVID CHIU, City Attorney By: /s/ Peter R. Miljanich Peter R. Miljanich Deputy City Attorney n:\legana\as2023\ 1800206\01682154.docx Supervisor Mandelman BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page 8 City and County of San Francisco Tails Ordinance City Hall 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place San Francisco, CA 94102-4689 File Number: 230192 Date Passed: June 13, 2023 Ordinance amending the Landmark Designation for Landmark No. 100, 429-431 Castro Street (the Castro Theatre), Assessor's Parcel Block No. 3582, Lot No. 085, under Article 10 of the Planning Code, to list the exterior features that should be preserved or replaced in kind, to add interior features to the designation, and to capture the property's full historical significance; affirming the Planning Department's determination under the California Environmental Quality Act; and making public necessity, convenience, and welfare findings under Planning Code, Section 302, and findings of consistency with the General Plan, and the eight priority policies of Planning Code, Section 101.1. April 03, 2023 Land Use and Transportation Committee - CONTINUED April 17, 2023 Land Use and Transportation Committee -AMENDED, AN AMENDMENT OF THE WHOLE BEARING SAME TITLE April 17, 2023 Land Use and Transportation Committee - CONTINUED AS AMENDED April 24, 2023 Land Use and Transportation Committee - CONTINUED May 08, 2023 Land Use and Transportation Committee - RECOMMENDED May 16, 2023 Board of Supervisors - CONTINUED ON FIRST READING Ayes: 10 - Chan, Dorsey, Engardio, Mandelman, Melgar, Peskin, Preston, Ronen, Safai and Walton Excused: 1 - Stefani June 06, 2023 Board of Supervisors - AMENDED, AN AMENDMENT OF THE WHOLE BEARING SAME TITLE Ayes: 6 - Dorsey, Engardio, Mandelman, Melgar, Safai and Stefani Noes: 4 - Chan, Peskin, Preston and Walton Excused: 1 - Ronen June 06, 2023 Board of Supervisors - PASSED ON FIRST READING AS AMENDED Ayes: 9 - Chan, Dorsey, Engardio, Mandelman, Melgar, Preston, Safai, Stefani and Walton Noes: 1 - Peskin Excused: 1 - Ronen June 13, 2023 Board of Supervisors - Fl NALLY PASSED City and County of San Francisco Ayes: 8 - Chan, Dorsey, Engardio, Mandelman, Melgar, Preston, Safai and Stefani Noes: 3 - Peskin, Ronen and Walton Pagel Printed at 2:19 pm 011 6/14/23 File No. 230192 London N. Breed Mayor City a11d Co1111ty of Sa11 Fra11cisco Page2 I hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was FINALLY PASSED on 6/13/2023 by the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco. Angela Calvillo Clerk of the Board Date Approved Pri11ted at 2:19 pm 011 6/14/23

References

amendsSec. 1015

Source: sf_ordinance_pdfURL: https://sfbos.archive.sf.gov/sites/default/files/o0109-23.pdfFetched: 7/4/2026