Coast Playhouse will get a second act

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City Council wants action on the Coast Playhouse.

The structure at 8325 Santa Monica Blvd., built in 1925 along the original Route 66, isn’t in good shape — restrooms don’t work, the mechanical equipment is outdated, and there are public safety issues, too.

At their meeting Monday, Council voted unanimously to raze the building, which has little historical value, and replace it with a new structure. They also selected a fast-track option put forth by staff, who will now assemble a steering committee to select the design of the new building. Council capped the budget at $6.5 million.

“I think that the public has been waiting for this space for quite some time,” said Councilmember John Erickson. “I want to give this back to the community as soon as possible.”

The new playhouse will provide the community with the venue for creative arts it has lacked for so long, according to the staff report:

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“The Playhouse will provide the city with a much-needed dedicated performance space (as recommended in the 2007 Cultural Facilities Needs Assessment), and will provide opportunities for live theatre, concerts, art exhibitions, and rehearsals. The Playhouse will serve as an arts and cultural event center, to support nonprofit arts organizations and artists with an accessible venue in the city’s center. Staff is considering different operational strategies to oversee the Playhouse including city as sole operator, city leasing the property to a resident company (theatre, performing arts, or non-profit arts organization) for performances, and combination of the two scenarios. The Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission will participate in the development of the programming for the Playhouse.”

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JF1
JF1
2 years ago

Fantastic. Fig 3 is the best.

Bottom of the Barrel
Bottom of the Barrel
2 years ago

None of these designs are worth flip. Searching the bottom of the barrel as usual.

How Did This Happen?
How Did This Happen?
2 years ago

No info as to the owner and how this condition deteriorated in public view.

Steven W Lindsey
Steven W Lindsey
2 years ago

Not historic. A loss of Route 66 heritage.

Tom
Tom
2 years ago

Although I have fond memories of plays at the Coast (including the premiere of Charles Busch’s “Die, Mommie, Die!”I realize that it’s on it’s last legs. It’s too bad that what seems to be going up is bland, half-baked corporate architecture that was dated before they put thought to CAD.
I also wonder what this means for Crossroads Trading, the dry cleaner and Joey’s. At the least the rendering for the new theater looks as if it will take away some of their parking..

Construction Junction
Construction Junction
2 years ago
Reply to  Tom

The City is studying how best to use the adjacent lot with Joey’s and Crossroads. With almost certainty, it will be torn down and redeveloped. The City study shows possibilities of building a mixed-use structure anywhere from 4 to 7 stories high. The Staff Report for the Playhouse development mentioned that the new structure should be envisioned to be able to be incorporated into the redevelopment of the adjacent lot in the future.

Weho Mary!
Weho Mary!
2 years ago

Why are all of these proposals from the most corporate/boring/white firms ever. Grimshaw does some nice work here are there, but where are the LOCAL firms with diversity? I know there aren’t many an industry dominated by white hetero men, but let’s give someone else a chance for once.

Joe Bologna
Joe Bologna
2 years ago
Reply to  Weho Mary!

Does Mary need a hug?

Gimmeabreak
Gimmeabreak
2 years ago
Reply to  Weho Mary!

Here we go! I’m so sick of the word diversity I may go postal!

Does merit mean nothing to you?

WeHo Mary!
WeHo Mary!
2 years ago
Reply to  Gimmeabreak

In architecture, diversity is needed, it’s not just a word. These firms don’t possess much in terms of merit and are just phoning it in at this point. I’m surprised there’s no giant LED screen!

We need new ideas this will improve our cities, the current establishment has failed. I also think that our cities will be better when their designed by its residents. Someone might think twice before tagging a building when the person who designed it is part of their community.

Last edited 2 years ago by WeHo Mary!
Enough!
Enough!
2 years ago
Reply to  WeHo Mary!

Truly unbelievable.

Enough!
Enough!
2 years ago
Reply to  Weho Mary!

You’re bringing race into this? Seriously?! Just stop. How you even know the race of the firms owner or staff is beyond me. People like you divide.

WEHO Resident
WEHO Resident
2 years ago

This sounds great. Finally, a good decision from the City Council. I can’t wait for the new playhouse!

JF1
JF1
2 years ago
Reply to  WEHO Resident

I agree.

R. Karliss
R. Karliss
2 years ago

This is a much needed venue for the performing arts and will be a valuable asset for WeHo.

Manny
Manny
2 years ago

Oh no! Not the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission!

TomSmart
TomSmart
2 years ago

Surprised the city isn’t buying the restaurant next door that never reopened and bulldozing that too (like the rest of the city). Putting a “cap” on a budget in West Hollywood is the longest running joke in the city to date.

Construction Junction
Construction Junction
2 years ago
Reply to  TomSmart

The City has inquired to purchase the building that used to house Basix, but apparently the owner is not ready to sell yet. The City has the first right of refusal once it does go up for sale in the future though.