A.C.T. Strand Theater

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Exterior view of theater façade painted bright red along Market Street
Wide view of façade along market street with street car passing in the foreground
Close view of entry with illuminated American Conservatory Theater sign on overhang; lobby is visible through large windows
Interior view of lobby with guests mingling and a large digital display spanning two floors.
Interior view of lobby concessions with coffee and beverage services and an illuminated sign reading
View of interior lobby showing staircases to theater levels and exposed concrete walls
View of lobby with guests mingling and box office painted with bright red walls
Interior view of black theater space as seen from the back of stage looking toward the house. Two people stand on stage talking.
Rehearsal room with wood floors and daylight through large windows; people seated in loosely arranged chairs.

Project Information

Owner

American Conservatory Theater

Location

1127 Market Street
San Francisco, California

Project

Theater & Black Box Theater
Rehearsal Studio

Value

$30 Million

Completion

2015

Architect

Skidmore Owings Merrill

Contractor

Plant Construction

Financing

Conventional Debt, 
Capital Campaign, 
New Markets Tax Credits,
Historic Tax Credits 

Project Description

ECB was the project manager and financing consultant for the complete rehabilitation of the Strand Theater, a long abandoned movie theater built in 1917 in the Central Market district of San Francisco, into a 20,000 square foot center for performing arts and education. The project sponsor was the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), San Francisco’s premier nonprofit theater company with a commitment to lifelong education and community involvement. The project was a second stage theater for A.C.T. and will support and expand artistic and educational outreach programs serving the local community.

The Strand Theater renovation transformed this blighted abandoned building into a vibrant 280-seat performing arts theater and a 120-seat black box theater plus support spaces and a ground floor café. The building underwent a complete seismic renovation, interior reconstruction, full systems replacement and interior improvements.

The historic Market Street façade was preserved and a new 2-story lobby was created to activate the streetscape.

Complementing A.C.T.’s 1,000-seat Geary Theater, the Strand Theater provides expanded performance facilities for A.C.T. to better serve its young artists and provide a broader variety of performance venues. The new facility provides additional space for other non-profit arts organizations, local schools, and community groups that partner with A.C.T. to create a diverse and dynamic center for non-profits and the arts.

The project was financed by a combination of capital campaign funds, conventional debt, New Markets Tax Credit equity and Historic Tax Credit equity. ECB coordinated the complex financing structure and secured tax credit equity for the project. Project approvals were secured in 2012. The project was completed in 2015.

Fact Sheet
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