City of West Hollywood

The West Hollywood City Playhouse project proposes a 7,840-square-foot (sf) 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 proposed new two-story building will replace the currently vacant, one-story Coast Playhouse building at 8325 Santa Monica Blvd. 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. Vehicles will access the loading area via the northern alley. Playhouse patrons may park at the Kings Road Parking Garage. 

Conceptual Renderings by Perkins & Will

PROJECT UPDATES

The project is currently in the schematic design phase. Construction documents are anticipated to be complete in late Q1 of 2026. Once these documents are approved for construction, bidding will commence, and construction is anticipated to begin in mid to late 2026.

BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS

May 20, 2024 City Council Staff Report

October 17, 2022 City Council Staff Report

June 6, 2022 City Council Staff Report

April 18, 2016 City Council Staff Report

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.