Title
Update on the Performing Arts Center (Little Theater) Project
Body
The Performing Arts Center is a live community theater run by the Los Alamos Little Theatre (LALT) organization, a community group made up of volunteer actors and supporting technicians. The facility is located at 1670 Nectar Street and is owned by Los Alamos County. Constructed in 1945, the building served as a cafeteria and was later converted into a recreation center. The building was converted once again to its current use as a performance theater between 1971 and 1973 and has entertained Los Alamos and northern New Mexico residents with live shows for over 50 years.
In 2012, the County completed a renovation project that included a new roof and siding and some interior updates. In 2017, a fire alarm/detection system was installed to alert occupants and first responders in the event of a fire. The building currently houses a performance hall, lobby, ticket booth, lavatories, kitchen, Green Room, dressing rooms, storage and workspaces in approximately 10,125 square feet of space.
The Fire Marshal’s Office recognized the need for and recommended installation of a fire suppression system for this facility. Subsequently, funding for a planning effort was programmed in 2021 and an initial evaluation of the building followed. In 2022, this initial evaluation was completed, and a countywide Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) was also performed for all county facilities that included the Little Theater. This assessment provides a 10-year renewal program based on a like-for-like replacement of existing building features such as structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and various exterior and interior finishes. In addition, this assessment also identified suspected asbestos containing materials and recommended proper investigation and abatement.
Considering the findings from the 2022 FCA report, a more detailed evaluation of the building and hazardous materials testing were completed in 2023 which uncovered asbestos containing material throughout the building, specifically, the ceiling, wall and flooring material.
With a better understanding of the building’s characteristics, challenges and high costs associated with a complete renovation, installation of a standalone fire suppression system was found to be feasible but would require a thoughtful approach that was initiated in early 2024. Subsequently, Public Works staff met with architects, contractors, and LALT representatives on several occasions to discuss the scope, budget, schedule and coordination needed to complete the fire suppression installation project.
More recently, staff met with LALT Board representatives on February 19, 2025 to revisit the scope of the project, provide updates and confirm appropriate points of contact. On February 28, 2025, Los Alamos MainStreet conducted a meeting with county staff, the LALT Board President and architects with knowledge of historic properties to discuss the project and possible future renovation options and grants opportunities. Lastly, on March 4, 2025, the LALT Board approved moving forward with current fire suppression project as planned.
Staff prepared a presentation (Attachment A) to provide Council background information along with an update of the project scope, budget, schedule, progress and next steps.
Attachments
A - Performing Arts Center Project Presentation