Historical Advisory Board Meeting, March 5, 2026

The Alameda Historical Advisory Board (HAB) held a meeting on March 5, 2026, to consider a Certificate of Approval for the Radium Theater Performing Arts Center, discuss several adaptive reuse projects, and conduct routine business. The meeting included public comment, staff presentations, applicant presentations, board deliberation, and votes.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved the minutes from the previous month's meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Todd Hickman (online, non-agenda): Commended the board for attempting to focus on Certificate of Approvals and CEQA compliance, but stated that the board is "far from compliance" generally on all matters related to CEQA and certificates of approval. He referenced written comments detailing applicable laws.
• Todd Hickman (online, on item 4A): Expressed support for the Radium Theater project but argued that it "does not appear to comply with CEQA at this time" and that it would significantly alter the historic district. He criticized staff presenter Brian McGuire's use of the word "sort of" and urged the board to follow the law.
• Shelby Sheehan (online, then in person): Stated she loves the project but argued it degrades the historic district, violates the Secretary of Interior Standards, does not comply with the Alameda EIR or the Site A plan, and violates the public trust doctrine. She submitted a 20-plus page written comment with legal citations and urged the Board to require further environmental review. She was repeatedly called out of order for interrupting the meeting.
• Tara Pilbro (in person, Executive Director of West End Arts District and Radium board member): Expressed strong support for the project, describing it as transformative for Alameda's arts ecosystem and a catalyst for the revitalization of Alameda Point. She noted that cultural programs have already brought life to the area.
• Nick Winkworth (in person, West End resident): Expressed strong support, calling the project "the keystone project" that will drive vibrancy and realize the potential of Alameda Point. He voiced disappointment in the slow pace of development and noted that historic buildings are decaying.
• Ben Mikus (in person, architect, West End resident, Radium board member): Expressed strong support, highlighting that the shifted theater location created a quarter acre of additional public open space, cleared the 40-foot view corridor in front of Building 77, and aligned with the new property lines. He stated the project is the first installment of infill development that preserves public open space along the waterfront.
• Ben Mikus (later in meeting, on 500 Central Ave): Praised Claire Slattery's work at Improv Central, calling it a "beacon" visible from blocks away and transformative for the community.

Discussion Items

4A – Radium Theater Performing Arts Center Certificate of Approval

Staff Presentation (Brian McGuire, Planner II):

• The project has been in development for several years, with previous workshops and a joint subcommittee in summer 2024. The current request is for a Certificate of Approval before the project goes to the Planning Board for a development plan and to the City Council for a ground lease and purchase option.
• The site is zoned Alameda Point Waterfront Town Center and lies within the NAS Alameda Historic District (National Register, 2013). Key character-defining features include orthogonal layout, wide open paved spaces (taxiways), and views.
• Staff's analysis concluded the project is consistent with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation (especially Standard 9), the adopted infill design guidelines, and the Cultural Landscape Report. The project preserves the majority of panoramic views and east-west axes.
• The project includes a new north-south roadway to break up the mega-block scale, an interim parking area (approx. 160 spaces) on the taxiway, and an arrival plaza.
• Staff recommended holding a public hearing and adopting the draft resolution issuing the Certificate of Approval, with CEQA findings based on the Alameda Point EIR.

Applicant Presentation (Christopher Seiwald, Michael, Tim Kirby):

• The applicant presented the evolution of the design from May 2024 to the current plan, emphasizing responsiveness to HAB feedback.
• The theater was shifted west to preserve a 40-foot view corridor centered on Building 77 (Naval Air Museum). The new design opens up that view and creates a shared plaza between the theater and the museum.
• The building is 50 feet at its highest (theater fly tower), with flanking areas at 35-43 feet. The design draws inspiration from the streamlined moderne architecture of the hangars, with a fluted concrete exterior and a large canopy referencing hangar doors.
• Landscape design incorporates runway-inspired patterns, terracing for sea level rise, stormwater management, and integration of historic artifacts (e.g., propeller, anchors, runway lights).
• The project includes a new 26-foot-wide roadway with 13-foot lanes, drop-off zones, and street trees designed to slow traffic and prioritize pedestrians.

Board Deliberation:

• Board members discussed the view corridor, the relationship of the new building to the Naval Air Museum, and the importance of the connection between the museum and the new theater.
• Concerns were raised about the missed opportunity to better integrate the main entry to the Naval Air Museum and to create cohesion between the new landscaping and the existing waterfront park.
• Board members expressed general support for the project's design and its role as a catalyst for further development. They appreciated the applicant's responsiveness to previous feedback.
• The architectural materials (precast concrete, stainless steel fly tower) and lighting were discussed as opportunities to make the building a beacon.

4B – Adaptive Reuse Presentations

500 Central Ave – Improv Central (Claire Slattery):

• The 1886 building was originally transported by barge and served as a neighborhood store. It is part of the historic Fifth Street Station.
• Slattery adapted the ground floor into Improv Central, a community space for improvisation workshops (not performances). She utilized the City's Facade Grant Program ($7,000, later increased) to fund exterior improvements: metal canopies, gooseneck lighting, channel letter signage, and painting.
• The project was featured by the city as a model for the grant program. The space has welcomed over 400 unique customers in five months and won second place in an Alameda Post contest for best arts organization.

1200 Park Street – Park Station / Southie Restaurant (Ryan Norman, on behalf of owner):

• The property originally housed a car storage garage (1922), then a factory (owner patented a price tag system), and later a tire shop (Big O Tires). A 1990 historic inventory found no character-defining features meriting recommendation for the National Register.
• The adaptive reuse converted the site into a restaurant (Southie) and a taphouse (Park Station), connected by a new restroom building and an outdoor dining area that replaced a parking lot.
• Changes included new metal canopies replacing canvas awnings, painted signage, glass roll-up doors, a green wall, and a fence with a radiused corner to improve sightlines and landscaping.
• The project was noted for activating a key commercial corner and integrating the site with the surrounding neighborhood.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve Certificate of Approval for the Radium Theater Performing Arts Center was made, seconded, and carried (unanimous: 4-0). The resolution was approved with a minor amendment to language regarding the view corridor to more accurately describe the reduction in visibility of Building 77.
• The board did not take formal action on the adaptive reuse presentations; they were informational and received positively.