Help Save the Plaza Theatre
We created the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation to work with the City of Palm Springs to launch a campaign to raise capital to fully restore one of its most iconic buildings – the historic Plaza Theatre in Downtown Palm Springs.
Originally built in 1936, the structure was used for film premieres and screenings and was the venue for nationally broadcast radio theatre programs and other performances by Bing Crosby, Amos ‘n’ Andy, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, and Frank Sinatra, among many others. In its later years, the theater was home to the critically acclaimed and revered “The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.” Over the decades, the building has deteriorated, so the City of Palm Springs has initiated a capital campaign to restore the beloved structure to its former glory.
Culture feeds the soul
of a community.
In 2018 the City engaged the international architectural firm Gensler and historic preservation consultants Chattel to develop a comprehensive restoration and rehabilitation plan. This plan called for installing 670 new seats, an expansion of the current lobby, significant infrastructure repairs, installation of new theatrical equipment, and structural restoration improvements to ensure the building meets current fire prevention and Americans With Disabilities Act mandates. This plan is estimated to cost approximately $16 million.
The Palm Springs City Council, in concurrence with the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, has approved the selection of Architectural Resources Group, Inc. to complete the design and oversee the renovation of the Plaza Theatre. We’re hoping we can start the renovation in early to mid 2023.
Architectural Resources Group has completed a number of theater and other historic projects of similar scope including New Mission Theater in San Francisco and The Alameda Theater. The firm has an Architectural Conservator on board who will be instrumental in the restoration of the Plaza Theatre.
To view a presentation of the proposed restoration to the Plaza Theatre please click here.
Lily Tomlin
Lily asks for your help in saving the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre!