Santa Monica Affirms Commitment to Future of Civic Auditorium

The Santa Monica City Council affirmed its commitment to preserving the Civic Auditorium Tuesday.

The council voted to form an advisory group, adopt an interim use plan and place the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium as the cultural hub of the Civic Center Creative District and Cultural Campus.

"This concept is a long term view and vision for the area," Mayor Pam O'Connor said.

The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium had been scheduled for closure on June 30.

Under the interim plan, the east wing will still be used for events because it is earthquake safe, and the main hall will be marketed for filming. Estimates have put the renovation of the Civic at $50 million to make it earthquake safe and up to modern standards. 

The city will also examine options for financing the renovations, including the possibility of a general obligation bond or a "white knight" that would donate the funds.

Most of the options for an operating model, including leasing the facility or entering into an operating agreement, would require the full renovation, according to city staff. However, a few entertainment groups said they believed the Civic could still be used with $23 million in infrastructure upgrades.

The closure cost will be about $250,000 a year to keep the systems working, the landscape watered and the building properly insured. City staff also asked for $260,000 for consulting fees.

City staff is projecting $150,000 in revenue through the interim use to offset the cost. 

Two-to-three more staff members that served the Civic are still being considered for a new position in the city. Councilman Kevin McKeown said the jobs were at the top of his mind. 

During a public hearing featuring nearly 30 speakers, some expressed concern about the cost of closing the Civic.

Guido Lamell, the conductor of the Santa Monica Symphony, called the Santa Monica Civic the city's crown jewel. He began his comments with an impromptu Mozart piece on a violin. 

"The Civic Auditorium is the cultural heart of Santa Monica," Lamell said, adding that he would like to see a great concert hall. He said Santa Monica hosts one of the most musical populations in the world.