SACRAMENTO-

Artists on R Street say the loss of the New Helvetia Theater Company is a shame, because it helped bolster a part of the corridor known for it’s art scene.

The company’s Facebook page said it was suspending production of plays and musicals because it had been priced out by a new landlord. Company operators did not elaborate.

The building it occupies has housed a theater for 20 years, although the current theater company has been there six years. Planners that oversee the R Street corridor says there has been a flood of activity on the street bordered by old warehouses in the last year and half.

In the Art House complex across the street, artists are sorry to see the theater company go. It may continue to operate at another location. But some say the addition of new commercial businesses and housing can be a plus.

“I have already noticed that sales have gone up quite a bit since I’ve been here,” said painter Anthony Montanino who has been in his R Street studio for four years.

He says there is the potential for more foot traffic. Montanino and his wife are avid theater goers and have been to New Helvetia productions. He believes the theater scene is still vibrant despite the lease problems with New Helvetia.

R Street development director Todd Leon for the Capital Area Development Authority says there have not been many evictions because of the new interest in infill development on the corridor because developers are working with mostly vacant buildings.

“They’ve been selling to developers who are willing invest money into the building and change them over to new commercial uses that are attracting crowds,” said Leon.