LODI, Calif. — The historic Sunset Theater, a 75-year-old landmark near the corner of Lodi Avenue and Sunset Drive, could face demolition despite its significance to the community.
Once a hub for movie premieres and neighborhood gatherings, the Sunset Theater is the last of three Northern California properties built in the same mid-century modern style. Its walls hold decades of local memories and it is credited with helping spur development in the surrounding neighborhood.
“To our community, this building matters because of all the memories and activities associated with it,” said professional historian and Lodi Councilwoman Lisa Craig-Hensley. “To me, this building matters because I can see it as a potential for redevelopment for multi-family housing, because I have seen so many examples of it nationwide. I think it has great potential.”…