San Francisco, CA — Apple Cinemas, a rapidly growing national movie theater chain, has signed a lease for a massive 92,724-square-foot cinema in a landmark building on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco, marking its second location in California. The deal was brokered by KeyPoint Partners (KPP), with Don Mace, Vice President of Retail Brokerage and Consulting, leading the negotiations.
The new Apple Cinemas site is located at 1000 Van Ness Avenue, a historic mixed-use complex near Union Square that blends old-world charm with modern amenities. Originally listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building has been reimagined into a 147,528-square-foot space housing retail and office space, luxury loft condos, a health club, and a parking garage.
“This site is a perfect fit for Apple Cinemas’ mission to deliver high-quality, family-friendly entertainment in dynamic urban settings,” said Mace. “We’re excited to bring a fresh cinematic experience to downtown San Francisco.”
A Strategic Expansion
The new lease represents a key step in Apple Cinemas’ aggressive national growth strategy. Founded in 2010, the chain currently operates 12 multi-screen theaters across six states, with two more—including one in Danville, CA—under construction. The company is actively scouting locations across the U.S., with the goal of operating 100 cinemas within the next decade, and is even eyeing potential expansion into Canada.
Apple Cinemas typically seeks locations between 30,000 and 65,000 square feet that offer sufficient ceiling height, with a particular focus on converting existing cinemas into state-of-the-art entertainment venues.
A New Chapter for a Storied Location
The cinema space at 1000 Van Ness had previously housed a movie theater, making the site well suited for reactivation as a modern cinema destination. The addition of Apple Cinemas is expected to breathe new life into the neighborhood, drawing moviegoers back to a downtown still recovering from the impact of the pandemic.
“With this lease, Apple Cinemas not only expands its footprint on the West Coast but also contributes to the revitalization of one of San Francisco’s most iconic districts,” Mace said. “It’s a win for the city and for families looking for top-tier entertainment experiences.”
