Birch North Park Theater Marquee Unveiling
New vertical sign added as part of historic theatre restoration
SAN DIEGO, Calif.—
What:
San Diego Redevelopment Agency partners with Lyric Opera San Diego for Birch North Park Theatre marquee unveiling
Who:
San Diego Redevelopment Agency; San Diego Councilmember Todd Gloria; Lyric Opera San Diego, Leon Natker, general director, and Patrick Edwards, board member
When:
Friday, October 8, 2010
11:30 a.m., followed by a brief theatre tour.
Where:
Birch North Park Theatre
2891 University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92104
Background:
A historic replica of the original vertical marquee is the crowning touch to additional improvements being made to the Birch North Park Theatre. As part of the North Park Theatre Rehabilitation Project, funding was made possible through a $162,918 loan from the City of San Diego Redevelopment Agency to theatre owner and manager, Lyric Opera San Diego. Originally built in 1928, the 730-seat theater was restored to its former glory and reopened in October 2005.
“The Birch North Park Theatre is a special part of our City’s history,” said Mayor Sanders. “Its continued operation supports both local arts and the North Park community as a whole.” Mayor Sanders also serves as the Redevelopment Agency’s executive director.
In addition to the marquee, improvements to the box office fire alarm, bathroom sinks, and installation of a gate at the west alley have been completed. Upgrades to the theatre’s HVAC system and electric meter room, basement waterproofing, replacement of basement and office flooring, and wheelchair lift improvements to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements are currently underway.
“This theatre is a community gem,” said Councilmember Todd Gloria. “These improvements help preserve and maintain the theatre, reduce operating costs, and enhance the appeal of this beautiful building to patrons and the community alike. We are all proud of the vibrancy Birch North Park Theater brings to the neighborhood.”
Located at 2891 University Avenue, the theatre has served as the Lyric Opera’s home since 2005. This year the organization celebrates its 32nd anniversary of bringing accessible, affordable opera and musical theatre productions to San Diego. More information about the theatre can be found at www.birchnorthparktheatre.net/.
"We are very pleased to finally see the face of the Birch North Park Theatre restored to its original glory. This is a moment the community has been waiting for - for a long time," said Leon Natker, general director for Lyric.
The project is being completed with funds made available through North Park Redevelopment Project Area 2003 Series A taxable bond proceeds and from existing non-housing tax increment generated in the North Park Redevelopment Project Area. A theatre tour will follow the new marquee unveiling.
Contributors in support of this project include: City of San Diego Redevelopment Agency, Lyric Opera San Diego, North Park Redevelopment Project Area Committee, North Park Historical Society, and CNP Signs and Graphics.
About the Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Diego
The City of San Diego Redevelopment Agency, created by the City Council in 1958, uses special legal and financial mechanisms to eliminate blight and improve economic and physical conditions in designated areas of the City. The Agency’s purview encompasses 17 project areas, study areas and affordable housing. Activities within the project areas are carried out by the city’s Redevelopment Division and two public, nonprofit city corporations: Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC) and Southeastern Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). The Agency also administers seven Project Area Committees (PAC) that advise the agency on the adoption of redevelopment plans and implementing redevelopment projects. For more information, visit:
www.sandiego.gov/redevelopment-agency/
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