Project permits have been filed for the rehabilitation of the historic Clay Theater at 2261 Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights, San Francisco. The application looks to restore the 113-year-old single-screen movie theater, which has been closed for four years. The plans are part of the Upper Fillmore Revitalization Project, led by Cody Allen and investor Neil Mehta.
Clay Theater rehabilitation, illustration by Min Design
The project application states that “the intention of the project sponsors is for the Clay Theater to return as the cultural cornerstone of the neighborhood, a beacon for arts in the city of San Francisco, and a viable standalone business presenting dynamic programming for decades to come.”
The filing looks to rehabilitate the lobby and auditorium, upgrade accessibility, address any seismic deficiencies, and improve the audio-visual amenities. The auditorium includes around 200 seats, and is expected to host over 500 film screenings every year.
Clay Theater, image via Google Street View
Architects from Page & Turnbull will guide the renovation, with Min Design as architect of record. Studio Perron is overseeing the interior design.
The theater is located along Clay Street between Fillmore Street and Steiner Street, half a block from Alta Plaza Park. Construction is estimated to cost around $5 million, a figure not inclusive of all development costs.
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Despite how some people feel about Mehta, this is terrific news. Can’t wait to get back into the Clay. (Maybe Palmer’s will be done by then)
Hopeful! The Clay single screen movie theatre! ❤️❤️❤️
It’s really encouraging to see that the Clay Theater is poised for a revival—this project respects both the historical character of Pacific Heights and the need for modern amenities like improved accessibility and upgraded audio-visual systems. The ambition to bring back a “cultural cornerstone” that will host over 500 film screenings per year suggests a strong long-term vision, not just a quick fix. Of course, maintaining the balance between preservation (especially for a 113-year-old structure) and contemporary expectations (seismic safety, accessibility) will be key. If done well, this could become a model for how small-scale historic theaters can be reintegrated into vibrant urban life.
It’s heartening to see a long-dormant treasure like the Clay Theater being thoughtfully revived with attention to both its historic character and modern requirements — from seismic and accessibility upgrades to upgraded audio-visual systems — and with a vision of making it a vibrant cultural hub with over 500 screenings annually. Though the project carries risks — funding, community buy-in, and balancing preservation with contemporary needs — if executed well it could serve as a model for how heritage sites can be reintegrated into city life with renewed purpose, rather than simply preserved as relics.
It’s inspiring to see renewed life being breathed into the Clay Theater — not merely as a nostalgic restoration, but as a carefully considered project that balances historical integrity with modern needs like seismic resilience, accessibility, and upgraded audio-visual capacity.