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Commission approves Hotel Whitcomb place-of-entertainment permit for ticketed performances
Summary
The Entertainment Commission voted unanimously to approve a place-of-entertainment permit for the Hotel Whitcomb (1231 Market St.) allowing ticketed performances in the ballroom and a conference room; applicants cited community support, passed inspections and described security and sound-monitoring plans.
The San Francisco Entertainment Commission approved a place-of-entertainment (POE) permit for the Hotel Whitcomb, 1231 Market Street, clearing the way for ticketed performances in the hotel’s ballroom and a smaller conference room.
Deputy Director Azevedo told the commission the application included 13 letters of support from neighboring Market Street businesses and approval from the Tenderloin station; no opposition was filed. "Here to tell you more is the hotel's general manager, John Trudeau, and the senior vice president of lifestyle hotels, Evan Altman," Azevedo said, introducing the applicants.
Applicants described plans to return the 1916 building to a theatrical and performance role in Mid-Market. "It is very much our intention to revitalize this building as this kind of theatrical creative hub for the community," one applicant said, noting the hotel's 22-foot ceilings, original marble and the property’s proximity to other historic theaters.
Commissioners questioned applicants about experience, security and sound monitoring. The applicants said they will use a contained theater entrance off Market Street, manage vehicle drop-off via a back alley (Stephenson) with a third-party valet, contract a security company (identified in the record as Secure Lawn) and station posted staff throughout the building on show nights. They said decibel readers and onsite managers will monitor sound levels and that prior sound testing found the acoustics suppressed noise to upper-floor rooms.
After questions, a commissioner moved to approve the permit; the motion passed with recorded ayes from Commissioner Perez, Commissioner Thomas, Vice President Camino, President Ben Blyman and Commissioner Lee. The commission asked the applicants to follow up with the deputy director to complete any remaining administrative steps.
No conditions beyond standard permit requirements were specified in the hearing record; Tenderloin station’s approval and the submitted community support letters were noted in the file. Staff said inspections were complete and referenced a statement that the applicants had passed required inspections.
