2015 marks the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium’s 75th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of Cabrillo Festival’s move downtown to our permanent home. How apropos that with these auspicious milestones we’re able to unveil an ambitious new vision for the future of this iconic gathering place. With the committed support of the Civic Renovation Leadership Team, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Santa Cruz City Council, and the Parks and Recreation Department, great strides have been made in planning for a much-hoped-for renovation of the Civic Auditorium as a performing arts and cultural center for our community.

Though there is still a long journey ahead and much support to be garnered, progress is encouraging. Current and prospective users of the Civic–both commercial and non-profit–have been surveyed, focus groups conducted, and research and analysis of those findings compiled. A Tier One structural engineering study and a Tier Two seismic capacity study have now been completed, with very positive reports. As well, ELS Architecture and Urban Design created an exciting conceptual design envisioning our new theatre, and enabling us to move the project forward with a new sense of excitement and possibility.

Next steps are underway! We’ve initiated a business planning study that will include situation and operations analysis and proposals for future operating and management plans. As well, understanding that this project will require a significant public/private investment, a Civic Renovation Fund Development Steering Committee has now convened to begin the process of identifying and engaging private donors who can help make this dream a reality.

You can help move the project forward! Right now the City of Santa Cruz is gathering community feedback with the assistance of AMS Planning & Research, a national arts management consulting firm. Your feedback is very important to us, so please take a few minutes to take the survey before Wednesday, August 19th. It will take less than ten minutes of your time. To participate in the survey, please click on: http://app.keysurvey.com/f/972612/186f/