A lot of Russian Hill locals join the Polk Street Crunch for proximity’s sake. Others wouldn’t mind a longer trip to another gym, but prefer its location on the oh-so-wonderful Polk Street. Others are too elite for the plebeian 24/Hour Fitness, whilst too po’ for the swank SF Bay Club. And perhaps some of you, like Yours Truly, don’t work out. Gasp! But, mind you, if I did want to lace up and take my too-crisp running shoes for a spin on the ole Precor, I’d head to the Polk Street Crunch for one reason and one reason only: the Alhambra Theater. It’s just too pretty for words, and I’m in awe of it each time I pass.
I’ve met native San Franciscans who insist San Francisco’s history has been somehow betrayed by Crunch’s takeover of the theater. But seeing as the space, an officially-designated SF landmark, has maintained most of its original details, and now it’s always well-lit for visitors to enjoy, I’m all for the conversion. Do you crunch? Why? Do you have a weakness for Alhambra, too?
I used to work out at Crunch at the Alhambra but it was very cramped. They moved the rowing machine right next to a staff desk(!) and I gave up shortly thereafter. I’m sad it’s not a movie theater, it really isn’t a very good gym as it lacks a lot of things such as sauna, pool, etc. Because it’s not open to the public (unless they join the gym) I hope someday it will be a movie theater again.
Interesting…yea it’d be nice if it opened to the public for more than tours! At least it’s not boarded up like the Union Street Metro theater though.
Just arrived here (first time visitor, thankyouverymuch). I’m old enough to actually have *seen* movies at the Alhambra (actually I’m not that old, I’ve just lived here long enough).
Unlike Polk Street’s Royal Theater, North Point theater (very close to Trader Joe’s Fisherman’s Wharf location) and the Coronet (last two out of three I also saw movies at) which were demolished, I was bummed when they closed the movie theater but I was thankful they kept the Alhambra shell and building mostly intact.
As for the gym itself, I’m a member there because Crunch (neé Gorilla Fitness) is, or was, squarely between the cheap grossness of a 24-hour Fitness type place and the pompous overpricedness of Club One, Equinox, L.A. Fitness, etc. New owners have taken over the Crunch chain from former owner Ballys, there’s been almost a 100% staff turnover since then (only two familiar faces left out of a staff of maybe 15-30 people), and Crunch – the chain – seems to be heading from a niche brand down into the 24-hour Fitness type mold, pushing powders, supplements and diet plans.
But anybody of the general public can still get into Alhambra and look around. You might be able to sweet talk your way past a salesperson and not even have to pick up a guest pass to look around. It’s completely congested right before and especially right after work hours. And check out the super tiny locker rooms with awesome window views for anyone who lives directly across Polk Street.
I personally think its silly to designate it as a historical landmark. Its just a building. Crunch should be allowed to completely renovate the building. Right now there is so much wasted space because they are not allowed to change anything. This could be such an incredible place if it were rennovated similar to for example the San Mateo Crunch.
If some architecture buffs want to save the embellishments and ornamentation, let them. But I think its silly to not allow it to be renovated.