As of November 1, Los Angeles's Recreation and Parks Department has taken over operations at the Greek Theatre (from private management), and they aren't wasting any time getting to work on renovations at the 1929 Griffith Park venue. The Los Feliz Ledger reports that upgrades are expected to start "immediately," before the 2016 event season begins. Totaling $1.5 million, the updates to the open-air entertainment space will include a new plaza for picnics before shows at the Greek (and for the public, when the theater is closed); the reinforcement of some of the seating, and updated dressing rooms and offices. Rios Clementi Hale Studio "has completed the plans for aesthetic improvements," according to Rec and Parks report from last month.
Painting and the addition of wayfinding signage are also planned, as is the removal of some existing electronic signs, which aren't really in step with the "historic" look of the place. In another nod to history, images of the Greek's original columns along the edge of the stage will be projected on the curtains that are there now, says the LFL.
The city's contract with Nederlander, which had been the Greek Theatre's operator since 1975, officially expired on October 31. Nederlander, partnered with LA Live owner AEG, battled for months against concert promoter Live Nation for a concessions contract to operate the venue; both teams proposed rigorous upgrades that were far more ambitious than Rec and Parks' plans. The city at first sided with Live Nation, but then requested a do-over. In the end, rather than choose to award the contract to either party, the city chose to operate the Greek itself, using an "open venue model" that will allow it to find a manager for the space and host concerts from different promoters throughout the year.
· CORRECTION: City Unveils Renovations for Greek Theatre [LFL]
· Here's Los Angeles's Plan For Running the Greek Theatre Itself [Curbed LA]
· See the Competing Upgrade Plans for the Greek Theatre [Curbed LA]