Scaffolding Starts to Come Down as Theater Renovation Nears Completion
Bill Steele, Post 43 Theater Project Manager, Navy Veteran
Our gorgeous new theater is beginning to emerge as scaffolding started to come down last week and revealed the first glimpses of the state-of-the-art acoustic remodel of the Legion Theater!
The arches were gently sodablasted to reveal the original board-formed concrete texture. The ceiling and walls have been carefully cladded with the highest quality acoustic absorption material to ensure the best possible cinema sound experience while maintaining the historical integrity of the room. Thousands of feet of new conduit and electrical and data cable and wiring have been laid, and dozens of loads of concrete poured.
Original concrete texture in the arches and acoustically treated ceiling are featured.
New lighting is nearly completely installed, and the speaker systems, cinema screen and new theatrical curtain will all be coming in at a furious pace in the coming weeks.
As projects of this size, scope, and technical complexity go, delays go hand-in-hand. While completion of the project was originally slated for April, delays caused by LADWP and the challenges and surprises of a 90-year-old building mean that our contractor is now projecting a July opening. Crews are working long hours and through the weekend to tighten our delivery timeline.
Restored proscenium arch features gold painted cast concrete grille as the focal point at the stage, harkening back to the classic movie palace of the 1920s and 30s.
Our new electrical transformer and switching gear is finally being installed. When LADWP completes their work (and we are told it will be shortly), we will TRIPLE the electrical capacity available to the clubhouse--enough to power our projection, lighting, heating and cooling needs for decades to come. This building has run on the same electrical infrastructure and supply of power since 1928!
We appreciate the members' patience as we update our post clubhouse and secure a future for our organization and the next generation of veterans!
Post 43 needs your help spreading the word and raising money to cover the renovation of our beautiful historic theater. Please share our crowdfunding site link and help us thrive for our next 100 years! Veterans and Legion Family get $500 discount when you donate to the TAKE A SEAT campaign - get your name on a new theater seat or dedicate one in honor of a loved one. Check it out: give.classy.org/legiontheater