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Committee endorses landmarking of the El Rey Theater on Ocean Avenue
Summary
The Land Use Committee voted to forward to the full Board a proposal to designate the El Rey Theater (1970 Ocean Ave.) a landmark, citing its Art Deco design by Timothy Pflueger and community support for rehabilitation and cultural reuse.
The committee voted to send a Planning Code ordinance to the full Board recommending landmark designation of the El Rey Theater at 1970 Ocean Avenue.
Shannon Ferguson of the Planning Department presented the landmark report and the theater’s designation history: the Historic Preservation Commission added the El Rey to its work program in August 2016, initiated designation in December 2016 and on April 5, 2017 unanimously recommended landmark designation. The department noted the building—designed by Timothy Pflueger—retains Art Deco exterior and interior elements and remains one of the city’s rare large theaters with much of its interior intact.
Speakers from the community and the project team described plans for facade and tower restoration and emphasized the El Rey’s role as an anchor for Ocean Avenue, citing letters of support and meetings with property owners about potential rehabilitation. Multiple neighborhood residents, the Art Deco Society, the Ocean Avenue Association and the architect who prepared the nomination urged approval.
Supervisor Peskin thanked the planning staff and asked that his name be listed as a cosponsor; Supervisor Tang moved to send the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation and the motion carried without objection.
