This week, Berkeley's Landmarks Preservation Committee denied landmark status for the building, which is located at Shattuck Avenue and Haste Street, despite efforts from local residents to save the building by having it declared a landmark.

As a result of this decision, the 42-year-old building will be torn down in the next few weeks to clear the way for a new $20 million, 100-unit commercial and residential development.

The owner of the property, Patrick Kennedy of Panoramic Interests, was granted permission from the city last year to demolish the cinema, but local opposition delayed the project. Kennedy plans to turn the Fine Arts Cinema into a new movie house as part of the large development complex.