Three landmark performance venues demonstrate how historic preservation, accessibility and advanced engineering can coexist in Northern California's cultural infrastructure.

CAW Architects has completed three major performance venue projects across Northern California, combining historic preservation with contemporary performance requirements through innovative design and engineering. The projects include the restoration of San Francisco's Castro Theatre, the redevelopment of UC Berkeley's Hearst Greek Theatre, and the construction of Sacramento's new live music venue, Channel 24.

The Castro Theatre: The view from the stage showcases the orchestra seating and decorated dome ceiling.
Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

The Castro Theatre: The elegant architectural details throughout the auditorium showcase the transformative renovation.
Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

The Castro Theatre: The theater's extraordinary artistry is highlighted in the painted ceiling and historic proscenium.
Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

The largest undertaking is the $41 million rehabilitation of the Castro Theatre, one of San Francisco's most significant cultural landmarks and a longstanding center for LGBTQ+ culture. Working with preservation specialists Page & Turnbull and theater consultants Shalleck Collaborative, CAW restored the 1922 theater while adapting it for a broader range of performances. A custom-designed movable orchestra floor allows the venue to switch between traditional raked seating for film screenings and a flat floor for standing concerts. Historic decorative elements, including the painted ceiling and sgraffito murals, were carefully conserved, while new theatrical technology, the world's largest digital organ, and fully accessible audience and stage facilities were integrated into the landmark building.

Channel 24: The new design brings a state-of-the-art mid-sized venue to Sacramento for all of the city's entertainment lovers.
Photo credit:
Kat Alves

Channel 24: The space boasts dramatic architectural lighting and balcony seating.
Photo credit: Kat Alves

Channel 24: The theater's balconies are equipped to counteract audience-induced vibrations.
Photo credit: Kat Alves

In Sacramento, CAW collaborated with Ellis Architects on Channel 24, a purpose-built 2,200-capacity live entertainment venue commissioned by Another Planet Entertainment. Designed to address the shortage of mid-sized music venues in the region, the project draws on the surrounding industrial context through exposed concrete, steel and metal finishes. Structural engineering innovations, including long-span steel roof trusses, cantilevered balconies, tuned-mass dampers and enhanced acoustic construction, improve audience experience while supporting high-performance live events. The project received the 2025 Structural Engineers Association Award for Excellence.

The Greek Theatre: CAW's third major project on the Hearst Greek Theatre has transformed the world-renowned venue.
Photo credit: Bernardo Grijalva

The Greek Theatre: The lush grass adds to the ambiance of the space, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Photo credit: Bernardo Grijalva

The Greek Theatre: Food and beverage concession areas serve guests throughout the theater's shows.
Photo credit: Bernardo Grijalva

At UC Berkeley, CAW completed its third major intervention at the Hearst Greek Theatre, a National Historic Landmark. The project reshaped the eastern hillside into terraced lawn seating for approximately 3,000 spectators, significantly improving accessibility and visitor comfort while preserving uninterrupted views of the stage. Excavated soil was reused on site to minimize environmental impact, and new public spaces were created at the top of the amphitheater. The design also discreetly incorporates required emergency vehicle access while maintaining the historic character of the venue through a restrained material palette.

The Castro Theatre: The newly renovated live-performance destination continues to serve as a cultural sanctuary and beacon for the arts.
Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

The Castro Theatre: Audiences gather for a live event beneath the theater's ornate domed ceiling.
Photo credit: Josh Withers

The Castro Theatre: This side aisle view features tiered seating and the theater's historic architectural details.
Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

Together, the three projects demonstrate CAW Architects' approach to revitalizing cultural venues by balancing architectural conservation, accessibility, technical performance and long-term adaptability, ensuring that some of Northern California's best-known gathering places continue to serve contemporary audiences while preserving their historic identity.

CAW Architects

CAW Architects (CAW) is San Francisco and San Jose-based firm that aspires to change the world for the better, one beautifully designed project at a time. The firm’s commitment to architecture as an agent for social change is apparent in its award-winning body of work that champions educational and community-based projects. Whether designing new buildings on distinguished campuses, in vibrant downtowns or in stately neighborhoods, or adaptively reusing historic buildings in need of careful rehabilitation, CAW gives buildings a new lease on life, infusing them with energy and economic vitality.