WESSON TOURS VISION THEATRE RENOVATION

Council President Herb Wesson tours work in progress at the Vision Theatre with Cultural Affairs General Manager Olga Garay

Council President Herb Wesson toured the work in progress in the renovation and restoration of the historic Vision Theatre in Leimert Park.  The multi-million dollar project, which the city of Los Angeles’ Department of Cultural Affairs is overseeing, continues to move forward.

 The original art deco Leimert Theatre, now known as the Vision Theatre, was a lavish movie palace built in 1930 by Howard Hughes.  Under the former ownership of actress Marla Gibbs, it was renamed the Vision Theater in 1990.  However, time and a rough economy took its toll on the facility. 

 The city of Los Angeles later assumed ownership and in 2008 plans were developed to bring the facility up to current building standards and undertake a renovation.

 “The Vision Theater project is important, not only to the residents of Leimert Park, but also the entire city,” said Wesson.  “It is part of our cultural heritage and will be a big part of the community’s cultural scene in the future.”

 Work completed to this point includes the exterior, the lobby and foyer, a new elevator and restoration of public restrooms, the stairway and the second floor space to house the Manchester Junior Arts Center.

 The final phases waiting for needed additional funding include the renovation of the audience chamber into a 750-seat venue for live music, dance, films and other performance art.

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