Harding Theater is in jeopardy again. The developers are moving forward with their plan to tear down the back third--the most historic part--as part of a "compromise" to "save" the theater and build their condos. Besides substantially compromising the historic integrity of the building, it will limit the possible uses for what remains. We believe their plan for the front half is for a Walgreens like Cinema 21, Coliseum Theater or Apollo Theater.

The inside of the theater is remarkably intact: See below and also Click here to see recent photos.

How to Help

* Testify at the Hearing: --BEST--

November 13, 2008 [new date]--- 1:30pm (could easily start much later)
City Hall -- Room 400 -- double check: here, 558-6422 or 668-2353 for last minute hearing info.

Agenda will be published here.

* Contact Decision Makers

In correspondence, please include:
* case number--> 2005.0911
* your address [phone opt.]
* all that apply: Live nearby (or in SF)? Long time? Preservationist? Architect? Theater or Film experience?
* your concerns

click here to E-Mail Planner, Planning Commission and D5 Supervisor (copy to activists) --EASIEST--



Please Note: letters & faxes are --BETTER--.


Planner: Glenn Cabreros phone: 558-6169
1650 Mission Street, 4th Floor, SF CA 94103
Fax: (415) 558-6409
e-mail: Glenn.Cabreros@sfgov.org

Planning Commissioners:

Fax: (415) 558-6409

click here for individual Commissioner contact info.: U.S. Mail, Phone, Fax and e-mail addresses



D5 Supervisor: link: Ross Mirkarimi


GET INVOLVED!

contact us:
David Tornheim (668-2353)
SaveDivisTheater@gmail.com

LIVE THEATER? The neighborhood has consistently expressed interest in reviving the theater for live performance or movies. Harding is one of the few theaters on the West Coast with a full fly, and live performance space is limited and in high demand. Tearing down the back will make either plan virtually impossible. It will take fund-raising to make either plan happen.


HISTORY
* Movie Theater from 1926-1970 (built 1926) by Reid Brothers (like the Alhambra)—holds 800-1200 people. Numerous uses, including church:
* The Grateful Dead performed there 11-7-71; first performance of “Hideaway." Listen.

* Lamplighters performed there: 1961-1968