West Portal Theater Site May Become 64-Unit Housing Project

Proposed 10-story building would replace former CinéArts at the Empire movie theater

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:06am by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco Planning Department is considering a proposal to demolish the former CinéArts at the Empire movie theater on West Portal Avenue and replace it with a 10-story, 64-unit housing development. The project, led by DM Development and the Appleton family who have owned the property for over 100 years, would include 16 one-bedroom, 36 two-bedroom, and 12 three-bedroom units, with 10 affordable units. The new building would be taller and denser than currently allowed under zoning rules, taking advantage of recent California housing laws.

Why it matters

The proposed redevelopment of the historic West Portal theater site highlights the ongoing tension in San Francisco between preserving neighborhood character and meeting the city's housing needs. While the project would add much-needed new housing units, including affordable options, it would also demolish a beloved local landmark that has operated as a movie theater for over a century.

The details

The new 120-foot-tall building would offer 16 one-bedroom, 36 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom units, with 10 of those units to be rented below market rate. The ground floor would include 4,094 square feet of retail space, and the project would provide 27 parking spaces for residents and 71 bicycle parking spaces. The developers are taking advantage of California housing laws like SB 330 and AB 2011 to allow for increased density and a streamlined approval process.

  • The movie theater at 85 West Portal Ave. closed in February 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Regal 12 Stonestown Galleria Theatre multiplex reopened in May 2021, becoming the neighborhood's main theater.
  • The developers purchased the property in 2021 after longtime operator Cinemark broke its lease and closed the theater.
  • The project is expected to break ground in 2027, pending approval from the San Francisco Planning Department.

The players

DM Development

A San Francisco-based real estate development firm collaborating on the project to redevelop the former theater site.

Jesse Appleton

A member of the ownership group that has owned the property for over 100 years and is partnering with DM Development on the redevelopment.

Handel Architects LLP

The architecture firm designing the proposed 10-story, 64-unit housing development.

Deidre Von Rock

The president of the West Portal Merchants Association, who has gathered over 1,000 signatures in opposition to the proposed project.

Myrna Melgar

The District 7 Supervisor who helped connect the new property owners with a rabbi to temporarily use the theater's lobby as a Jewish Community Center.

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What they’re saying

“This is a great match that meets the needs of the community until there is a permanent plan for the theater.”

— Myrna Melgar, District 7 Supervisor (J.)

“The petition launched last month, takes aim at what Von Rock calls the 'grossly oversized' ambitions of the theater's out-of-town owners.”

— Deidre Von Rock, President, West Portal Merchants Association (The Standard)

What’s next

The project is still pending approval from the San Francisco Planning Department, and no construction costs or timeline have been made public yet.

The takeaway

The proposed redevelopment of the historic West Portal theater site highlights the ongoing challenges San Francisco faces in balancing the need for new housing with preserving the character of its neighborhoods. While the project would add much-needed units, including affordable options, it would also demolish a beloved local landmark that has been a part of the community for over a century.