Council approves $2.07 million allocation for City Playhouse design work; total project budget set at $26 million

The West Hollywood City Council unanimously approved an allocation of $2,070,309 to advance design and preconstruction work for a new City Playhouse, part of a total project budget staff described as $26,000,000.

Assistant City Manager Steve Campbell presented the schematic design and said the project has evolved from a 99‑seat black‑box concept to an enhanced two‑story, 6,200‑square‑foot facility with a proscenium stage and a 2,800‑square‑foot garden. “Staff is requesting an allocation tonight of $2,070,309 into the project account to continue with design of the project with Perkins and Will and also to provide funding for additional pre construction professional services,” Campbell said.

Staff said the $26 million figure includes prior schematic design spending, soft costs such as surveys and testing, hard construction costs and contingency. A subsequent construction funding request and award is expected in the third quarter of 2027 or as part of the next mid‑cycle budget adjustment. With council approval, staff expects an opening in late 2029 or early 2030 and is looking at options to expedite parts of the schedule, including demolition ahead of bidding.

Councilmembers praised the project’s community benefits and urged staff to limit the duration of any interim empty lot created by early demolition. Council member Meister said she supported moving the project forward but cautioned about leaving another long‑term vacant parcel in the community during construction. A public speaker representing the Flores neighborhood thanked staff for including drop‑off improvements in the design.

The council’s vote approved the staff allocation and direction to continue design and preconstruction work and to return with the construction funding request when planned.