2274 Shattuck, two blocks from BART, is a shuttered movie theater, but it could become 227 naturally-affordable homes, with 23 units designated to be affordable to Very Low Income residents. Unfortunately, some people are organizing to block the project on the grounds that the building is a landmark. We, however, believe the housing project is the best way to preserve what remains of the original 92-year-old architecture.

The development includes restoring the historic facade and lobby of the original theater. The remainder of the theater is a shell of its former grand self, having undergone many drastic remodels that left it a utilitarian multiplex, with scarcely a trace of its former significant architectural features. As noted in the Historic Resource Evaluation, it has been so seriously degraded that it is ineligible for state or national historic status. Additionally, the building is seismically unsound and suffers from dire structural deterioration. The housing project proposed at the site would be the best way to preserve the original parts of the building for future generations, as well as providing badly-needed housing near transit.

Please let the Berkeley Zoning Adjustments Board (which will be meeting on Thursday, Dec 12th at 7 pm) know that you support this project by sending them an email. If you're available on Thursday, please attend the (hybrid) meeting and give public comment as well! Agenda and more info on attending the meeting here.