The California Theatre opened in 1927 as a movie theatre so refined it was known as the " .”

It stayed a “movie palace” until the 1970s, when it became a concert venue.

But today, the building looks far different.

The theatre is decaying in the middle of downtown San Diego — fenced off with boarded windows and lots of graffiti.

It’s been shuttered since 1990.

/ KPBS

“This isn't serving downtown, this isn't serving the city. It's a vacant building,” said San Diego City Attorney Heather Ferbert.

Her 16th floor high-rise office overlooks the dilapidated structure.

The site could finally see some changes due to a legal settlement reached between the building’s owners, Australia-based developer , and the City Attorney’s Office.

It follows a lawsuit filed by the city two years ago.

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