$9.5-Million Plan OKd to Refurbish Civic Auditorium

After years of deliberations, the Glendale City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a $9.5-million renovation plan for the Civic Auditorium.

Plans call for revamping the city-owned building, adding three meeting rooms adjacent to the structure, constructing a three-story parking garage and improving traffic circulation.

The Spanish colonial revival-style auditorium was built as a public works project in 1938. It is home to such community events as antique shows, high school dances and beauty pageants.

In recent years, the cavernous structure had begun to decay. Council members grappled for years over whether to preserve the structure at Verdugo Road and Mountain Street or to build a new one. They voted last year to undertake the restoration.

While the building is not considered of great architectural value, community leaders and neighborhood associations have led efforts to preserve it. Many longtime residents say the auditorium carries memories they cherish.