City of West Hollywood
Home Menu
The West Hollywood City Playhouse project proposes a new arts facility, cultural event center, and civic space that will support local artists and nonprofit arts organizations by providing an accessible venue in the center of West Hollywood. The project will feature a forward-thinking 99-seat performance space, a multi-purpose rehearsal room, and a flexible lobby space. The name “City Playhouse” is temporary place holder until a naming discussion by the City Council can take place.
The design of the City Playhouse, led by the architects Perkins & Will, has been shaped by community workshops and Design Steering Committee sessions held between 2022 and 2023. Through a creative use of materials, various multi-functional spaces, indoor/ outdoor programming, and a publicly accessible open space, the design is responsive to the City’s historical context, programming aspirations, and climate goals.
THE PLAYHOUSE DESIGN
The building features a second-floor proscenium-style theatre with an exterior pre-function area facing Santa Monica Boulevard. The ground-level multifunctional rehearsal space opens directly to the exterior, creating opportunities for indoor/outdoor functions. The ground-level also features a lobby with elevator access and an interior stairway that connects multiple floors, as well as restrooms, performer accommodations, staff offices, a box office, and loading access at the rear of the building along the northern alley. Pedestrian access to the Playhouse will be available along Santa Monica Boulevard.
PROJECT UPDATES
The project is currently in the schematic design phase. On October 20, 2025, City Council approved moving the location for the City Playhouse Project at 8323-8325 Santa Monica Boulevard, the former Coast Playhouse, to the west, one parcel, to 8327-8329 Santa Monica Boulevard (formerly Basix Café) given additional site opportunities now present. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2027.
Conceptual Illustration by Perkins & Will
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
2023 DESIGN STEERING COMMITTEE
The City Council Playhouse Design Steering Committee Meeting #3 took place on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
Click here for the meeting's agenda.
Click here for the Recording Secretary's Record of Meeting.
The City Council Playhouse Design Steering Committee Meeting #2 took place on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
Click here for the meeting's agenda.
Click here for the Recording Secretary's Record of Meeting.
The City Council Playhouse Design Steering Committee Meeting #1 took place on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.
Click here for the meeting's agenda.
Click here for the Recording Secretary's Record of Meeting.
QUESTIONS AND MORE INFORMATION
For any questions or additional information, please contact Michael Barker, the City of West Hollywood Project Architect in the City’s Urban Design and Architecture Studio, at mbarker@weho.org.