A classic Tower District building that was once the centerpiece of the city’s performing arts community is for sale.
The Severance Building at 1401 N. Wishon, home to the CalArts dance studio, was put up for sale about two weeks ago. And it’s already getting a lot of attention.
“We’re showing it to some very high-profile groups almost every day,” said listing agent Mike Garabedian of London Real Estate.
Garabedian, who is listing the property with Danyelle Conner, said the 8,100-square-foot, two-story property has huge potential. The second floor has a 4,000-square-foot ballroom with maple floors and chandeliers. List price is $995,000.
Conner said the property’s original owner, CB Severance, built the home in 1930 as a dance studio and residence for his family.
Potential buyers have discussed keeping it as a performing arts space, housing media companies or converting it into office space.
Fresno City Councilwoman Annalisa Perea wants the building to become a performing arts center.
“It’s an important anchor for the Tower District,” she said.
Connor said several potential buyers who toured the property remembered taking dance classes in the building as children.
The Severence Building on North Wilson Avenue, which houses the California Arts Academy and the Severence Ballet Conservatory, is for sale. Taken on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Fresno.
(Eric Paul Zamora/ezamora@fresnobee.com)
Daniel Chavez Jr., artistic director and general manager of CalArts, remembers performing in a live production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” years ago. This was his first adult theater show in Fresno.
Chavez explained that the owner of the college and building is retiring and selling part of his property. CalArts purchased the property in 2005 and spent more than $1 million renovating it.
Chavez assured the community that the sale of the Severance Building would not affect the future of the college, which he said is “going well and in strong hands.”
The only change will be the relocation of the advanced ballet program from the Severance Building to the academy’s headquarters at 4750 N. Blackstone Ave.
The first floor of the building is rented by Midtown Vineyard Church for Sunday services, but the pastor said he is aware the building is being sold and is making other arrangements.
“While we have worked with the city to explore the potential for a purchase and its impact, we have no intention of purchasing the Severance Building and are excited to see what happens next,” said Ryan Kenny, lead pastor at Midtown Vineyard Church.