Body of News Release
UPDATE 11/4: The Board approved the contract.
Marin County, CA – Closed since 2023 for several improvement projects, Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (VMA) is entering its next major renovation phase so the cultural venue can reopen in early 2027.
On November 4, the Marin County Board of Supervisors will consider awarding a contract to Alten Construction, Inc., of Richmond to install modern infrastructure and safety enhancements to the 2,000-seat theater, which was conceived in the late 1950s by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The auditorium, first opened in 1971, has served as Marin’s premier arts and performance venue for more than a half century. It is located adjacent to Wright's architectural marvel, the Marin County Civic Center.
At the request of the Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW), the Board is also considering additional contracts for recoating and repairing the iconic dome roof, reupholstering the auditorium seating, and beautifying the surrounding grounds with refreshed landscaping.
The plan also envisions comprehensive, long-range planning and the development of creative campaigns to engage the public and event producers in future planning efforts and to prepare for the reopening in early 2027.
In total, the recommended contracts and associated contingencies represent an $18.9 million investment in preserving and revitalizing the building.
In 2026, the key construction objectives at the VMA will be to:
- Address significant settlement below the building by replacing the lobby area floor slabs;
- Replace failing sewer and drain lines;
- Mitigate water intrusion issues;
- Add a new, accessible dressing room and restroom for performers;
- Replace the orchestra pit lift mechanism;
- Upgrade heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, electrical systems, and fire alarm systems;
- Add a new state-of-the-art theater audio system;
- Renovate the north and south lobby restrooms;
- Refurbish the auditorium seating;
- Improve egress lighting and signage in the theater;
- Landscape and beautify the grounds around the building;
- Install new exterior doors;
- Repaint the interior and exterior; and
- Repair and repaint the roof dome.
According to DPW Director Chris Blunk, the proposed repairs and modifications are necessary to ensure the venue can host performances and community events into the future.
“This project represents an important investment in the VMA’s critical building systems,” Blunk said. “Many of the facility enhancements will be behind-the-scenes and not necessarily obvious to visitors. However, these improvements will help preserve the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium as a beloved gathering place where the community can continue to enjoy music, theater, and cultural events for generations to come."
The VMA was closed in June 2023 to allow for a long-planned, seismic retrofit of the building, which was completed in April 2024. During that retrofit, a building condition assessment determined that the building’s foundation was structurally sound, but identified other necessary improvements to address critical health, safety, and accessibility issues. The costs to address these issues are estimated to be a fraction of the expense to completely replace the venue. The discoveries led DPW’s Capital Projects Division to rework the long-term plans for the VMA project.
The County is proposing to use $18.9 million in previously reserved funds to support planned auditorium improvements as identified in the County’s 2023–24 and 2024–26 budgets. This project lays the groundwork for a comprehensive interior renovation of the facility in the future.
As the County’s renovation efforts move forward, community members will be able to share their own stories and photos of the VMA over the past 50 years, receive updates, event announcements, and behind-the-scenes highlights showcasing the restoration of the building and its journey toward reopening.