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 project is currently in the design phase. Construction is anticipated to begin in mid to late 2025.

THE PLAYHOUSE DESIGN

The building features a second-floor proscenium-style theatre with an exterior pre-function area facing Santa Monica Boulevard. By stacking more of the building’s program, an opportunity was created for a ground-level open space. The ground-level multifunctional rehearsal space opens directly into this open space, creating additional 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 and the associated garden space will be available along Santa Monica Boulevard. Vehicles will access the loading area via the northern alley. Playhouse patrons will be able to utilize a pick-up/ drop-off area on Santa Monica Boulevard or may park at the Kings Road Parking Garage. 

Conceptual Renderings by Perkins & Will

BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS

April 18, 2016 City Council Staff Report

June 6, 2022 City Council Staff Report

October 17, 2022 City Council Staff Report

May 20, 2024 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.