UPDATE: Marin County supervisors have just approved a significant investment of $18.9 million to modernize the aging Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, which has been closed since May 2023 for seismic repairs. This urgent upgrade is crucial for the county’s largest indoor performance venue, which has faced numerous delays and challenges.
The auditorium, which seats approximately 2,000 patrons, is set to reopen by January 2027, after a lengthy closure that has severely impacted local arts organizations. Major users, including the Marin Symphony and the MPSF Speaker Series, are feeling the pinch as they struggle to find suitable replacement venues.
“They’ve been unable to perform in the one venue in Marin County that can support our full artistic enterprise,” said Tod Brody, executive director of the Marin Symphony, emphasizing the financial strain and loss of audience that has resulted from the venue’s closure. Brody highlighted the significant revenue losses and the long road to recovery that awaits their return.
The unanimous decision by supervisors on November 4 comes after the discovery of new issues during a $6.85 million seismic retrofitting process. Problems such as foundation settlement, concrete cracking, and water damage have prompted the comprehensive refurbishment plan.
Fabiola Guillen, a manager at the Department of Public Works, stated, “Our primary goal with this project is to modernize the VMA’s critical building systems so it can continue to safely and effectively serve the community for many years to come.” The approved funding includes $2.25 million for roof repairs and landscaping, along with $1.7 million earmarked for long-range planning by CAW Architects.
Despite the comprehensive upgrade, Brody expressed frustration over the lack of plans to address functionality issues such as the long-requested addition of a center aisle to improve accessibility for patrons. While the auditorium’s seats will be reupholstered, many concerns remain unaddressed.
Event producers were initially informed that the auditorium would close in July 2022, with a reopening date originally set for October 2024. That timeline has since shifted, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced during the retrofitting process.
The recently allocated budget includes a $30 million fund for modernization of the Civic Center and Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, with an additional $5.1 million planned for future improvements. However, the auditorium’s long-term future remains uncertain, as plans for extensive renovations are still in the conceptual stage.
As the community awaits the reopening, the urgency of this project highlights the importance of the auditorium not just as a performance venue, but as a cultural hub for Marin County. The next steps involve closely monitoring the construction progress and ensuring that the facility can meet the needs of its users upon reopening.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as Marin County moves forward with crucial improvements to one of its key cultural landmarks.
