Los Alamos Little Theatre leaders urge county to fund full rebuild after asbestos abatement

Leaders of the Los Alamos Little Theatre asked Los Alamos County Councilors on Jan. 28 to ensure the Performing Arts Center on Nectar Street is restored beyond an initial asbestos abatement, saying the venue cannot safely operate if only abatement is funded.

The request came during the meeting’s public-comment period from Shauna Zimmerman, the theatre’s president; Terri Turton, vice president of the theatre’s board; and Colin McDowell, a board member. Turton said asbestos abatement and a sprinkler-installation project is planned to begin June 1 and that, based on the project plan the Little Theatre has seen, “up to 90% of the walls and up to 80% of the ceilings and floors will need to be torn out.” The board’s concern, she said, is that there is no funding identified to bring electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems up to code or to rebuild interior walls after abatement.

"Curtains covering open walls…is neither a safe nor a viable solution," Turton said during public comment. Zimmerman recounted the theatre’s history in Los Alamos and its program offerings dating to the 1940s. McDowell described the venue’s local economic role, saying a typical audience of about 75 people generates pre- and post-show spending in town; he estimated a representative party’s local spending at about $255 and said the group’s calculation for one production’s run amounted to “about $33,600” (as stated in public comment).

The speakers asked councilors to request a presentation from staff about preserving the Performing Arts Center and to seek funding that would allow the building to be rebuilt to code after abatement. No formal council action or vote on the theatre was recorded at the meeting.

County management acknowledged the public comments later in the meeting. The county manager said abatement is typically the first phase of a larger renovation, that questions remain about pricing and phasing, and that staff would follow up with additional information to council. The manager also noted that the county does not self‑inspect its own capital projects and pulls permits through an external reviewer to avoid conflicts of interest.

Why it matters: The Performing Arts Center houses community productions, educational activities and rental events for businesses and nonprofits. Speakers said the venue’s programming draws residents and visitors who spend money in local restaurants and shops. Councilors did not take formal action at the Jan. 28 meeting; management committed to report back with more information.

Next steps: Management said staff will continue work on project details and provide follow‑up information to council; no schedule for that follow up was given at the meeting.