San Bernardino theater to get an overhaul

The California Theatre for the Performing Arts in San Bernardino has been closed and will be renovated.

The 97-year-old facility shut down June 2 and is expected to be dark for six months, according to a city statement.

During that time, the city-owned theater at 562 W. Fourth St. will undergo $6.8 million in improvements, including upgrades to its sound-system, lighting, and curtains. Heating and air conditioning systems will be replaced, carpeting will be installed, and the building’s inside and outside will be painted.

Also, the structure will be made compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The project will be paid for with revenue from Measure S, a one-percent sales tax approved by city voters in 2020.

“The California Theatre is well known as a major landmark for visitors coming to downtown San Bernardino.” said Azzam Jabsheh, San Bernardino’s deputy director of public works, in the statement. “The upgrades being planned are a great investment for the City.”

The 1,700-seat theater is home to the San Bernardino Symphony, concerts, and national touring performances of Broadway productions. It is expected to reopen in early October, according to the statement.