The Byron Carlyle Theater complex is located at 500 71st Street, between Byron Avenue and Carlyle Avenue, where it opened in 1968 as twin cinemas hosting first-run movies. The City purchased the Byron Carlyle Theater from the WBC Broadcasting Corporation in 2001 and partially renovated it to spur economic development and bolster the North Beach arts and culture scene. The western portion of the building was occupied by Living Arts Trust d/b/a O Cinema from 2014-2018. The eastern portion of the building remained uninhabited, and in 2019, the Theater was permanently closed.

Since its closure, there have been several discussions held regarding the condition and future of the Byron Carlyle. The City Administration has gathered community input through public charrettes and all groups expressed a strong desire to maintain a significant cultural component that is accessible to the neighborhood and visitors.

The North Beach community and the City Commission have expressed interest in exploring various uses for the building, primarily as a theater or cultural center, but are also considering potential use as a museum, a business incubator, university use, gallery space, artist studios, a film or arts center, as well as retail or office space.