California Theater Housing + Performing Arts Building

2115 Kittredge is an old building experiencing a lot of firsts. It is the first former movie theater in Downtown Berkeley to be converted to housing with a new performing arts theater at its base. It is the first landmarked building to be exempted from CEQA (thanks to Rhoades Development Group). And it is the first high rise in Berkeley with a suite of amenities that surpasses those of Berkeley’s finest hotels.

Formerly The California Theater, the new 18-story building will retain its historic Art Deco façade with the distinctive narrow vertical fins replicated on the housing tower, rising to the 15^th floor. Additional historical elements such as the marquee, box office, neon and medallions are woven into the new design.

The 211-unit tower will provide housing for students and young professionals in a variety of layouts from studios to 2-bedroom units. Residents will enjoy a spectacular array of amenities including study rooms on the residential floors, 15^th floor fitness center, sports simulation room and outdoor balcony, 16^th floor terraces with fire pits, BBQ / kitchen, seating and entertainment space. At the top, another amenity deck will include hot tubs, cabanas, and seating.

Located steps from UC Berkeley and in the heart of Downtown, the building and its new 325 seat performing arts theater will draw people downtown and enliven the streets. The theater will feature raked seating, fly tower, orchestra pit and support spaces.  California Theater Consortium (CTC) was brought in as the non-profit operator. CTC includes renown groups such as The Berkeley Ballet, Youth Musical Theater Company, Berkeley Symphony, West Edge Opera and Density Arts.

Project Details