Riverfront Theater Building To Become Community Arts Center

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A local arts nonprofit plans to transform the shuttered Riverfront Theater in downtown Santa Cruz into a community arts center.

The 418 Project has bought the building and will turn it into its new headquarters. The nonprofit served 450 artists per year and attracted 50,000 participants each year, Executive Director Laura Bishop said in a statement.

With the new space, The 418 Project believes it can attract 160,000 visitors annually and serve more than 2,000 artists.

"It is hard to imagine a more exciting use of this space than to be reborn as a vibrant cultural and economic arts center which will enliven the streetscape and draw thousands of people to
the river and this section of downtown," said Santa Cruz Mayor Donna Meyers. "This has long been a dream of many here today."

The 418 Project said it plans to transform theater spaces and temporarily resume community classes in the lobby. Architects also plan to link the building to Abbot Square and the Museum of Art History.

There will be spaces for crafters, events and meetings, artists and a green rooftop space for performances and gatherings overlooking the San Lorenzo River and Park, according to The 418 Project.