Council Questions Using Old Library as Arts Center
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The City Council agrees that Manhattan Beach needs a cultural arts facility but is not sure if the old Manhattan Heights Library is the best place for it or if the circular building is big enough to accommodate a theater.
The council recently voted 3-2 to have an architect redesign the proposed $2.1-million center without a performance space. The council has also asked the architect to reconfigure the design so that the only access to the facility is off Manhattan Beach Boulevard. Many residents have expressed concerns about traffic.
Jim Wolfe, city director of Parks and Recreation, said the redesign will be completed in February and will help the council determine whether the site should be renovated or razed. He said city officials are exploring the possibility of turning the site into exhibit and classroom space while putting a theater elsewhere.
“We need a performance space in this town, but this building may not be functional for it,” Wolfe said.
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