November 4, 2007
How do you get several tons of air-conditioning equipment onto the roof of a historic building in the middle of downtown LA?
By helicopter, of course! Watch this video.
Announcing a state-of-the art renovation at the Mark Taper Forum!
Forty years after first opening its doors, the Mark Taper Forum, one of Los Angeles’
most iconic public buildings and the artistic heart of Center Theatre Group, will
receive a major interior renovation. Everything from the lobby to the seating to
the ventilation will be changed and upgraded. This $30 million project will
completely replace all the building and theatrical systems with state-of-the-art
designs while radically improving audience amenities. Changes include lighting,
electrical, air handling, sound, acoustics and theatrical rigging and equipment.
Restroom facilities for men, women, families and patrons with disabilities will
be created in a comfortable new 1350 square foot downstairs lounge accessible by
elevator and stairs. The backstage area- including dressing rooms, wardrobe,
green room, etc will be expanded and rebuilt. All of this will be accomplished
without altering the essential exterior architectural character of the Mark
Taper Forum.
Construction on the Taper will begin in July 2007, following the final performance
of Center Theatre Group’s 2006-2007 season in the Taper, and continue through
mid-2008. During the construction period, Taper subscribers will be offered a
four-play subscription for the 2007-2008 season that includes two productions
in the Ahmanson Theatre followed by two productions in the newly re-modeled
Mark Taper Forum.
This renovation would not be possible without the
support and leadership of the Music Center/Performing Arts Center of Los
Angeles County which has secured over $22 million in funding for this project.
Additional support is provided by the County of Los Angeles, foundation grants,
and private donors, including a lead gift of $5 million given by an anonymous
source.
Keep checking this site for regular updates with facts & figures, architectural drawings, progress photos, blog posts, and more.
Get the full story-
download the Mark Taper Forum Renovation Brochure
Mark Taper Forum Renovation video feature
Part 1 The House
Part 2 Backstage
Part 3 Up to the grid
Part 4 Control booths and secret rooms
