Civic Auditorium

The landmark Santa Monica Civic Auditorium opened in 1958 as a public gathering place for cultural, educational, and community events. Designed by noted architect Welton Beckett, the classic Streamline Modern building is the architectural focal point for the southern sector of Santa Monica's Civic Center. Regular operation of the Civic Auditorium was suspended in June 2013, due to the loss of redevelopment funds needed to rehabilitate the facility.

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Civic Auditorium Background Information

Press Release: Jan. 10, 2023- City issues request for letters of interest for the revitalization of the Civic Auditorium

Press Release:  Feb. 3, 2025 - Economic Growth + Cultural Vitality:  City continues to seek partnership for future of Civic Auditorium

March 2024 Update:  The city received four proposals in response to the Request for Letters of Interest issued in January. City staff is currently reviewing the proposals and following up with questions and additional due diligence. Staff plans to present an update to the City Council in a closed session meeting in late spring to get direction on further negotiations.  Following that direction, staff would take a request to City Council to enter into  an exclusive negation agreement with a selected proposer and seek public input.

July 2024 Update:  The City Council directed staff to pursue an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with Revitalization Partners Group (RPG) on July 25, 2024, and staff presented a draft agreement to RPG on July 31, 2024.  RPG was selected for the ENA based on their experience and financial wherewithal to renovate, operate and program entertainment venues that have historical attributes.   Under an ENA, the city agrees to negotiate with only one entity (RPG) to determine the feasibility for redeveloping the Civic Auditorium site. The ENA also sets forth agreed upon timelines/performance schedules, creates financial responsibilities and outlines future discussions.  

December 2024 + January 2025 Update:  RPG has not yet signed the ENA.  The City Council met in closed session on two occasions, Dec. 17, 2024, and Jan. 28, 2025, to discuss the status of the ENA and authorized staff to continue working with RPG.  As the Council is eager to see progress on the matter, and as the process began last July, the Council provided direction that they would like to see the ENA executed by Feb. 28, 2025.  Until there is an executed ENA in place, negotiations on the potential to revitalize the shuttered Civic Auditorium are not progressing.