The African American Art & Culture Complex at 762 Fulton St. is about to close its doors for a seismic retrofit. The Sun-Reporter says the center's calendar bills its Oct. 31 Halloween event as the last public event before the closure, with the listing switching to "CLOSED For Relocation" on Monday, Nov. 2.
New executive director Dr. Murrell Green told the San Francisco Bay View that indoor programming will continue through Nov. 7, including a Legacy & Vision reception. He said the center is "not closing down" and plans outdoor events after it leaves the building, including turkey giveaways in November and December.
The construction timeline
San Francisco Public Works says it is working with the San Francisco Arts Commission and Pankow Builders on seismic upgrades at the complex and at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts. Both buildings are scheduled to be vacated by Dec. 15, 2026. Demolition and construction could begin as early as January or February 2027, with completion expected in spring or summer 2028.
Besides structural strengthening, the city lists accessibility upgrades to entrances, ramps, restrooms and theater access, elevator modernization, electrical and HVAC work, and roof, skylight and window repairs.
What happens to programs
The Sun-Reporter notes that the center has not publicly named where classes, rehearsals and exhibitions will go during construction. The building is a former brewery that houses the 206-seat Buriel Clay Theater and several galleries. Green, a Fillmore native who once worked at the center, took over in July. A city audit released in late August traced the center's earlier financial troubles mostly to poor accounting and management.
Until the closure, work by Emory Douglas fills all three floors of the building, Green told the Bay View.