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Board clears Alexandria Theatre special‑use district on first reading to allow 75-unit housing project with preserved theater façade
Summary
The Board passed on first reading an ordinance (Item 26) to create the Alexandria Theater Special Use District in the Richmond neighborhood, allowing up to eight stories and up to 75 residential units (12% on-site affordable) while retaining the theater façade and interior features.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted on May 6 to pass, on first reading, an ordinance (Item 26) establishing the Alexandria Theater Special Use District at the northwest corner of Geary Boulevard and 18th Avenue to enable a residential development while preserving the historic Alexandria Theatre façade.
Project details and preservation commitments
Supervisor Chan, who introduced the item, said the proposal would allow an up-to-eight‑story building containing up to 75 units, principally two- and three-bedroom family units, with 12 percent of units provided on‑site as affordable housing and ground‑floor commercial space. The ordinance affirms the environmental (CEQA) determination and authorizes density bonuses and zoning modifications within the special‑use district subject to conditions. Supervisor Chan said the developer, identified in remarks as York Lee, agreed to preserve the theatre’s façade, marquee, murals and chandelier as part of the project.
Why it matters
Sponsor remarks framed the measure as family housing for the Richmond neighborhood that balances new residential capacity with historic preservation. Supervisor Melgar expressed gratitude for the project going forward and said the development converts “17 acres of asphalt” at Balboa Reservoir into a new neighborhood (separate Balboa items were addressed in the same meeting). The ordinance passed on first reading without objection and will return for a second reading and final adoption under the board’s schedule.
Process notes
Supervisor Chan thanked planning staff and the local advocacy group San Francisco Heritage for their input. The item was recommended by the Land Use Committee and then passed on first reading by the full board under a “same house, same call” procedural motion.
