Abandoned downtown San Diego building ordered to be sold or demolished

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The owners of the 98-year-old building known as the California Theatre in downtown San Diego are ordered to sell the abandoned building or demolish it.

Per a court order issues this week, City Attorney Heather Ferbert says the owners, Caydon Property Group, has to be put on the building on the market by the end of August and it must close by the end of 2026 or face demolition.

“I’m happy they partnered with us to get to this conclusion to end. The litigation, it’s better for the community, the owners and all of downtown to move forward with this property,” Ferbert said.

City leaders say the building has been abandoned for decades and it’s attracted criminal activity, graffiti and more to the downtown area.

"The people were breaking in, living inside, they would have the fires to warm themselves inside,” Ferbert said.

The California Theatre has been in downtown San Diego since 1927.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria applauded the decision agreeing this is a step in the right direction.

“This settlement delivers fair accountability,” Gloria said.