Plan to redevelop theater latest for Van Ness corridor
From today’s Examiner, “The United Artists Galaxy Theater on Van Ness Avenue will be demolished to build a 13-story condo tower, another step in the march of residential projects along the transit-rich boulevard.”
“Stuart Gruendl, CEO of BayRock Residential LLC, said the company intends to replace the movie house, which closed in December, with 120 condos and 15,000 square feet of ground-floor retail near Sutter Street.”
“The retail space will be food-related, though Gruendl declined to identify the tenant since negotiations are ongoing. He added that neighborhood retail is needed in the area, where car showrooms still dominate.”
“Auto-centered businesses moved into the Van Ness corridor following World War II, but the avenue was once a residential neighborhood. In the late 19th century, it was home to Queen Anne mansions shaded by eucalyptus trees. To bring Van Ness back to life, The City adopted a neighborhood plan for the corridor in 1989. Thousands of new units of housing have been built since then, according to Kate White of the Urban Land Institute.”
“In 2004, The Avenue Senior Housing, 122 studios for the elderly, was completed at 1015 Van Ness Ave. near O’Farrell Street. Construction of Symphony Towers, 130 condos at 724 Van Ness Ave. at Turk Street, is expected to wrap up in early 2007. Plans are under review for 62 senior units at 1800 Van Ness Ave. at Clay Street, 35 units at 1868 Van Ness Ave. at Washington Street, and 36 units at 1988 Van Ness Ave. at Jackson Street.”
