Pasadena : Playhouse Gets Extension

The opening of a new theatrical season at Pasadena Playhouse has been rescheduled to May 31. The Pasadena Board of City Directors this week granted a six-month extension to developer David Houk whose firm, Historical Restoration Associates Ltd., bought the property in 1980.

Houk had been given a December deadline for beginning a new season of performances but told the board he needs more time to raise money for offices, a restaurant and shops in one wing of the landmark building on El Molino Avenue. Houk said the commercial development is necessary to support performances in the playhouse.

The theater portion of the building has been restored with a $1.3-million federal grant and additional money provided by Houk’s firm. The Playhouse was closed in 1966 by the Internal Revenue Service because its operators defaulted on taxes, and went into bankruptcy in 1969. The city of Pasadena took ownership in 1975 to save the landmark building from demolition, and subsequently sold it to Houk.