LA’s Greek Theater restoration completes

The Greek theatre, a 5,900-seat outdoor music venue in Griffin Park, Los Angeles, has recently completed a restoration project.

The renovation project for the 90-year-old theatre began in 2015 after the Greek Revival-inspired architecture began to lose its historic luster. “Over the years, the site had accumulated a disparate collage of signage, advertisements and additions that obscured the original Neoclassical features,” said Page & Turnbull Architect and Principal John Lesak, AIA, LEED AP, FAPT, in a release. “We focused attention on conserving the iconic patron doors, and restoring the signature green-glazed clay tile roof .”

Phases 1 and 2 of the restoration included the removal of alterations to the site that obscured the historic character as well as the complete restoration of the iconic entry gates, which were badly corroded. The project’s final phase focused on the roof and skylights. Only 10% of the original terra cotta roof tile was salvageable, which meant the team had to custom fabricate new tiles using slip-casting and glazing. Existing skylights were restored and updated with high-performance glass and a carbon fiber wrap was added to the concrete roof deck for seismic strengthening.

While the project has completed, visitors will have to wait a while longer before being able to fully appreciate the renovations as the Greek’s 2020 season has been cancelled due to the coronavirus.