By Khalida Sarwari
The Saratoga City Council is not yet done talking about the Civic Theater. While accepting a report detailing a five-year plan to improve the aging venue, the council decided to bring back the issue for further discussion at the council retreat in February.
The report, as presented at the council meeting on Dec. 18 by Michael Taylor, Saratoga’s recreation and facilities director, was in response to the council’s request last fall for a modified plan with proposals for five specific areas. Those areas are increasing orchestra space, accessible restrooms, improved lobby area, control booth access and seating.
Some of the highlights from the five-year plan include: in the first year, renovating the engineer’s office area, expanding the women’s restroom on the west side of the building and incorporating the employee restrooms to be used as the new ADA- accessible restroom area.
To increase the orchestra area, the report recommended removing the first two rows of seats from the center aisle, which is expected to alleviate the existing evacuation hazard during orchestra performances.
Once the new restrooms are completed, the report recommends the relocation of KSAR and the sound and light controls to the original men’s restroom in the second year. Renovation of the lobby is also scheduled for this timeframe.
An update to the mechanical system with a new boiler and plumbing and the installation of a new wide-screen video screen to replace the existing screen are suggestions for the third year. The final components of the project would be the renovation and upgrade to the backstage dressing area and restrooms.
The total cost of the five-year plan is estimated at a little more than $1 million.
The council is also proceeding with the master plan from Anderson-Brule Architects, a San Jose-based architectural and interior design firm tasked with undertaking the improvement project.
The council has indicated that its ultimate aim is to make a more functional theater while maintaining the dual use of the facility, and reducing the cost and effort required to transition from meetings to theater and back again.
Built in 1964 at a cost of $168,000, the 7,436-square-foot theater is now used on alternating Wednesdays for city council and planning commission meetings. The venue also serves as a small theater and is used by West Valley Light Opera and South Bay Musical Theatre Company, two theater groups that rent the facility approximately 160 days per year for rehearsals and weekend performances.
For more information about the project, contact Michael Taylor at 408.868.1250 ormtaylor@saratoga.ca.us.
