Watch CBS News

Groundbreaking Begins In San Francisco's Mid-Market To Turn Former Porn Theater Into New Arts Venue

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Another important sign that San Francisco's Mid-Market area is undergoing a cultural renaissance took place Wednesday when The American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) broke ground for a new performance venue in the heart of the city.

A crowd of cultural denizens, joined by Mayor Ed Lee, packed the sidewalk on a gritty block of Market Street between 7th and 8th streets in front of the shuttered Strand Theater.

Before it closed a decade ago the Strand showed x-rated porn films, but its transformation leaves the potential for Mid-Market to become the leading arts hub in the city.

A.C.T.'s Artistic Director Carey Perloff said she couldn't be more excited.

"We hope to produce new work to engage new artists, young artists, and local artists. We hope to bring international work here," she said.

Mayor Ed Lee said the Strand's rebirth is just what Mid-Market needs to cement its reputation as the new cultural center of the city.

Groundbreaking Begins In San Francisco's Mid-Market To Turn Former Porn Theater Into New Arts Venue

"We are waiting for moments like this to truly signal a big transformative change along Market Street and A.C.T.-Strand is a great transformation," said Lee.

A.C.T. is just the latest arts organization to bet the house on Mid-Market. The revitalization is bringing new art galleries, restaurants, theater companies and music venues. With the tech industry getting firm footing in the neighborhood (companies like Twitter) the arts organizations don't expect getting an audience to be much of a problem.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.