October 8, 2014 — The historic John Anson Ford Amphitheatre will undergo a complete stage reconstruction, major infrastructure improvements and add new facilities and amenities to enhance guest and performer experiences while protecting its historic status and integrity. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2016.
Key improvements include:
- Reconstruction of the amphitheatre stage
- Hillside stabilization and drainage improvements
- Under stage drainage and remodeled basement support spaces.
- New theatrical lighting and infrastructure improvements.
- Replacement of the sound wall and control booth.
- A new picnic terrace for 200 people which includes a raised deck above a loading dock and vehicle turnaround, and a two story structure comprised of a lower level concessions kitchen and upper level office space that will complete the acoustical envelope for the theatre.
Implementation of these improvements will enhance onsite programs that support the work of LA County artists and arts organizations, expand opportunities for diverse County residents to come together by creating new recreational spaces and programs, and ensure the future of the Ford as an active and relevant historic resource.
“We’re very excited that the Ford’s most ambitious renovation to date will now be moving forward,” said outgoing Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who retires in December after 20 years representing the Third District where the Ford Theatres reside. “During my tenure we have continually made incremental improvements, but this really takes it to the next level. Our patrons will be thrilled to encounter their best-ever Ford Theatres experience when we reopen in summer 2016.”
Replacement of the sound wall and the addition of the picnic terrace are components of a larger Ford Theatres Project. The Board of Supervisors certified the Environmental Impact Report for the larger project and recently approved $28 million in additional funding to the Ford Theatre Foundation to complete these two crucial components for the amphitheatre. Planning for this project was led by noted architect Brenda Levin, who has worked on a considerable number of significant historic facilities in Los Angeles, including the Griffith Observatory and most recently the Wilshire Boulevard Temple and Dodger Stadium.
“It is fortuitous that the County has authorized this additional scope of work,” states Laura Zucker, Executive Director, Los Angeles County Arts Commission. “We had already planned to pre-empt the 2015 summer season for construction and by combining the previously approved work with the new projects, we will be able to save several millions of dollars in construction costs.”
The Ford previously announced that the 2015 summer season would be pre-empted due to reconstruction of the stage and other infrastructure improvements that are part of a three year maintenance, repair and rehabilitation project that began in September 2012.
At 1,200 seats, the Ford Amphitheatre creates an intimate concert experience that is a favorite among Angelenos. Each summer, the Ford hosts a diverse roster of events representing music and dance styles reflective of the communities that comprise Los Angeles County. Ford summer season events are presented in partnership with Los Angeles County arts organizations and producers. Unlike a traditional presenting model, these organizations apply to be part of the season and receive significant marketing, box office and house management support while keeping the majority of box office proceeds. Located in a County regional park in the Hollywood Hills, the Ford is owned and operated by the County of Los Angeles and operated through a three-way partnership between the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Ford Theatre Foundation.
The Los Angeles County Arts Commission fosters excellence, diversity, vitality, understanding and accessibility of the arts in Los Angeles County, encompassing 88 municipalities, and provides leadership in cultural services. In addition to programming and operating the Ford, the Arts Commission funds 380 nonprofit arts organizations through a $4.5 million grant program, helms the regional initiative dedicated to restoring arts education to 81 school districts, funds the largest arts internship program in the country and manages the County’s civic art policy. The Arts Commission also produces free community programs, including the LA County Holiday Celebration for public television. www.lacountyarts.org.
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