Damaged Fremont Theater marquee still a risk, SLO says. Now what?
Days after a large chunk of its signature marquee fell off during a strong winter storm, the Fremont Theater remained blocked off in downtown San Luis Obispo on Friday — and officials weren’t sure when it would reopen.
In an update for the public Friday evening, the city of San Luis Obispo said it recognized that the theater “holds deep meaning for our community and that recent storm damage has understandably caused concern.”
“We are working closely with the building owner, engineers and historic preservation professionals to restore the building safely, responsibly and as efficiently as possible,” the city said. “Our priority is keep everyone safe while working collaboratively to ensure the sign is repaired in a way that protects its historic character.”
According to the post, the city is reviewing plans submitted by the theater’s owner to repair the historic building after its external facade sustained significant damage during the storm earlier this week.
In the meantime, the sidewalk in front of the building — which has been blocked off since Tuesday — will stay closed until “temporary pedestrian protection measures are installed,” the city said. The block of Monterey Street in front of the theater will also remain closed “until engineers and the city’s building official determine the external sign no longer poses a risk to public safety,” it said. The reason for the caution? The city said engineers found parts of the sign were still “at risk of further failure due to cracking, corrosion and rain saturation.”
“The extent of instability is still being evaluated,” the post said.
While the road and sidewalk remains closed, the city reminded residents that businesses along that stretch — including Buona Tavola, Shin’s Sushi and The Bridge Café — remain open as usual.
Concerts moved, rescheduled at downtown theater
Meanwhile, the theater rescheduled an upcoming performance by American reggae rock band The Elovators that was scheduled for Feb. 24, according to a post on the Fremont Theater’s Instagram.
“Due to severe weather causing damage to the Fremont Theater, our show on February 24th in San Luis Obispo has been rescheduled to May 21st,” the post read. “All previously purchased tickets will be honored. If you are unable to attend the new date — refunds are available at point of purchase.
“We’re very sorry for the inconvenience and hope to see you in May.” It’s not the only performance to be impacted: An Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra concert scheduled for the night the piece of the marquee fell was relocated to SLO Brew Rock instead.
It’s unclear if future scheduled performances will also be impacted.
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