San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission Approves ALMO Drafthouse Seating Refresh

In a recent meeting of the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission, members reviewed a proposal from ALMO Drafthouse for an interior refresh of their theater. The proposed changes are limited and focus on replacing non-historic elements, including the existing theater seats with new power recliners and updating floor finishes in public areas. The commission emphasized that these updates would not alter the historic character of the theater, as they are simply replacing materials that were installed about a decade ago.

The project sponsor highlighted that the work would involve coordinating updates to the floor ventilation system, which is a historic feature of the building. The commission members expressed their support for the proposal, with Commissioner Vergara moving to approve the changes and Commissioner Bridal seconding the motion. After a brief discussion, the commission unanimously approved the proposal with a 6-0 vote.

Following this item, the commission took a short recess before moving on to the next agenda item, which included an informational presentation on the family zoning plan. This indicates ongoing efforts by the city to address housing and zoning issues, reflecting a broader commitment to community development and preservation.

The approval of the ALMO Drafthouse project signifies a careful balance between modernization and the preservation of historical integrity, a key focus for the commission as they navigate the evolving needs of the city while respecting its architectural heritage.