Berkeley plans to bulldoze beloved theater for new housing project

In 2022, Regal sold an iconic theater in Berkeley to a development company called Panoramic Interests. The theater, which opened in 1932 and was acclaimed for its luxurious design, has been a cherished landmark for decades. However, due to the ongoing housing crisis in California, new state laws have pushed for increased housing development in communities like Berkeley. Plans for the site include a 17-story housing project that will feature 299 new homes. While the development will preserve the art deco facade of the theater, the majority of the historic building will be demolished. This decision has sparked significant emotional responses from local residents, who express deep nostalgia for the theater and concern for the changing identity of their city. Many view this as a loss of cultural heritage, highlighting the tension between the need for affordable housing and the preservation of historical sites that define community identity. The situation raises questions about how cities can balance development needs with the safeguarding of cultural and historical resources, a debate that remains unresolved amid California's intense housing shortage. As municipalities grapple with these housing demands under state pressure, the fate of this beloved theater may symbolize broader changes in urban landscapes across the state.