best to ease neighbors’parking concerns that have been expressed in the past two years. According to the plan that governs the project, SMC is not allowed to stage events that will require more than 301 parking spots.
“It isn’t that every neighbor is thrilled, but most neighbors are OK with it,” said Girard, adding that SMC will continually monitor the situation. “And as we’ve moved forward, they’re actually more interested and excited about the project.”
Construction of Madison Theater is expected to begin next summer, once state officials sign off on safety issues and contractors bid on the $15 million cost of construction.
SMC leases the property from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Girard said the theater currently on the site has been in disrepair and has not been used for 20 years or longer.
In 1998, SMC began exploring options for upgrading the auditorium and in 2001, college officials sought and received the district’s approval. By 2002 the height, size of the building and the traffic issues were resolved. In March of 2003, a draft Environmental Impact Review — which is a planning document — was made available to the public.
Sixteen members of the public made written comments on the EIR, Girard said. While most of those comments expressed support for the project, four of them asked for clarification on any impacts the theater might have on the surrounding area.
The final EIR was produced in July. In preparation for Monday’s meeting, Girard said the college sent out 1,200 letters to local residents, from 9th Street to 12th Street and Wilshire Boulevard to Broadway. Despite that, only 25 members of the public spoke and only one of those spoke against the project.
Santa Monica architecture firm Renzo Zecchetto Architects drew up the designs for the theater, which will be used for professional shows, as well as SMC and local school district programs.
Michael Stebbins, the firm’s Madison Theater project manager, characterized the style of the building simply as modern.
“The way we approach architecture we don’t really go after a particular style,” he said. “It just sort of develops with a particular piece of property.”
Stebbins said Madison Theater was a unique challenge because SMC officials first contacted the firm five years ago and asked it to start working on the project before the specifications had been approved.
As a result, the architects had to design the theater from the inside out, he added.
The theater features high ceilings, side wings, dressing rooms, an orchestra pit, projection booth and sophisticated acoustics. The exterior of the theater will be landscaped with plants and a water fountain.
Girard said it will take about two years to construct Madison Theater.
So far, $8 million has been raised privately to fund the project. In order to qualify for some public funding, Girard said SMC must raise $2 million more.
Two anonymous donors, one who gave $1 million and the other $2 million, helped catapult the financing of the project, Girard said. The larger donor is expected to be named before the theater is opened.
Joe Weichman, a member of an advisory board that is overseeing the project, said Monday’s vote brought with it a large sense of relief among theater supporters.
“The college is following through with the demands of the community,” he said. “This theater will redefine performing arts on the Westside.”
“This theater will redefine performing arts on the Westside.” — — JOE WEICHMAN Advisory board member
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 7, 2003. Read the original PDF.