Castro Theatre Sues Contractor for Faulty Renovations

In February, after two years of renovations, San Francisco’s beloved Castro Theatre reopened to much anticipation. Contracting firm Alarcon Bohm transformed the 104-year-old movie theater into a multi-purpose performance venue. Outwardly, the upgrades seemed to infuse new life into the historic landmark. However, just six months into the theater’s second wind, cracks in its $41 million facelift have already started to show. 

But according to the lawsuit filed by the Castro’s new owners, shoddy construction is just the tip of the iceberg. 

“Shortly after the venue reopened in February 2026,” claims the suit, “it quickly became apparent Defendants badly botched the renovations as well as management of the project. Extensive roof leaks damaged the recently renovated historic ceiling, causing portions of it to collapse onto the balcony.” But their blunders don’t stop there. Another Planet Entertainment, the Castro Theatre’s new stewards, filed suit following a rash of structural issues. 

Along with water damage threatening the ornately painted ceiling, the plaintiffs assert improper installation of the building’s drainage systems. Whether you’re financing, drafting, or installing it, efficient plumbing is one of those things you shouldn’t skimp on. That’s even more apparent in a facility with its restrooms located in the basement. Another Planet also accuses the defendants of bungling the theater’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system. Poorly retrofitted HVAC systems may result in mold, fires, Legionnaires' disease, and carbon monoxide poisoning. With a leaky ceiling, a wrench in the pipes, and building-wide ventilation issues, the problems run deep. 

The suit implicates general contractor Alarcon Bohm, spearheaded by Kevin Bohm, who oversaw a design team including CAW Architects and MEYERS+ engineers. MEYERS+ connects him to the project in a press release from February 2026. Per their website, they provided, “mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection, and technology services.” In addition to the shoddy work, Another Planet reports that other tasks they had outlined and paid for went uncompleted. 

Adding insult to injury, Alarcon Bohm allegedly overcharged Another Planet for their services. So far, at least $5 million have been squandered through costly setbacks and delays in renovations. It’s one thing to half-ass a job you profess is your specialty. Your reputation is yours to trash. But to overcharge for terrible work and ignore the rest is… audacious. I can’t imagine attaching more sins to my curriculum vitae, but per Alarcon Bohm’s website, they’re more than just builders. The firm has also spammed the market with unauthorized advertisements promoting its work on the theatre, even amid these accusations. 

Another Planet alleges Alarcon Bohm promoted their involvement with the Castro Theatre online using copyrighted names, photographs, and registered trademarks. The firm may also face legal repercussions for social media posts that imply an “ongoing, positive relationship with Another Planet — despite receiving cease-and-desist letters June 30 and July 13.” (SF Standard). 

The entertainment company filed suit with San Francisco Superior Court on Monday, August 3rd, for “trademark infringement, false association, false advertising, and unfair competition,” per the San Francisco Standard. Other Bay Area venues potentially affected by Bohm’s grift are getting in on the action. Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco and Oakland’s Fox Theater have piled on, putting more heat on the defendant. 

CEO Gregg W. Perloff offered this: “Another Planet Entertainment has spent decades building a reputation for presenting exceptional live entertainment and preserving some of the Bay Area’s most treasured cultural landmarks. We cannot allow any contractor accused of defective work, excessive billing, and failing to pay subcontractors to use our venues and reputation to promote its business.” 

Mr. Perloff asserts the Castro Theatre is structurally stable and safe for guests and performers. His grief lies with having to sink more finances into a project his company already paid for. That sounds fair to this editor. Wouldn’t you agree? The suit seeks full financial compensation for the deficiencies, reimbursement for all legal fees, and finally, a court order preventing Alarcon Bohm from affiliating with the venues in their advertisements. As if the firm weren’t already screwed, a train of unpaid subcontractor claims against the Castro Theatre project has attached to the suit. 

Alarcon Bohm should have a hell of a time recovering from this one.