Historic Hemet Theatre expansion concepts unveiled; council forms ad hoc to work with foundation

City officials, theater board members and the project architect presented conceptual designs Aug. 28 for the Historic Hemet Theatre expansion and discussed next steps, including a feasibility study and fundraising plans. After the presentation the Hemet City Council appointed an ad hoc committee to work with staff and the Historic Hemet Theatre Foundation.

The presentation and concepts

City Manager Mark Prestwich outlined the council’s prior property acquisitions adjacent to the theater and described donor terms tied to a land gift, including a requirement that an expansion be initiated within five years and completed within seven years or remaining value revert to a regional park district. He said the city purchased the property at 204–208 E. Florida (and 108 N. Harvard) for $1,500,000, which currently generates about $50,000 in annual lease revenue from tenants, and purchased the parcel at 222 E. Florida for $350,000.

Andrew Kochek, board president of the Historic Hemet Theatre, described the board’s work to stabilize and operate the single‑screen venue and introduced architect John Loomis of Thirtieth Street Architects.…