DISTRICT POLISHING UP ITS ACT : GROUND BROKEN FOR ARTS THEATER.Byline: Sherry Joe Crosby Daily News Staff Writer Community activists broke ground Friday on a 499-seat west San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. performing arts center A performing arts center, often abbreviated PAC, is a multi-use performance space that can be adapted for use by various types of the performing arts, including dance, music and theatre. designed to feature first-class plays and concerts and to spark a renaissance in the Canoga Park business district. About 50 people gathered at the site of the planned Madrid Theatre to mark the start of the project's construction and pay homage to its supporters. ``It's a major development,'' said Deane Leavenworth, chairperson of Friends of the Madrid Theatre, a nonprofit group made up of local residents, artists and merchants. ``It's not only a theater. It's a community development and business development,'' he said. During the ceremony, Friends of the Madrid received a $2,500 grant from the Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. City Cultural Affairs Office. Mayor Richard Riordan Richard J. Riordan (born May 1, 1930) is a Republican politician from California, U.S. who served as the California Secretary of Education from 2003–2005 and as Mayor of Los Angeles from 1993–2001. Riordan ran for Governor of California unsuccessfully in 2002. praised the group and others who worked to make the project possible. ``I want to congratulate you. You are the heroes. You're the ones who deserve the credit,'' he said. Scheduled to open by year's end at 21622 Sherman Way, the Madrid Theatre replaces the former Pussycat puss·y·cat n. 1. A cat. 2. Informal One who is regarded as easygoing, mild-mannered, or amiable. Noun 1. Theatre, an adult-movie house that was severely damaged in the Northridge Earthquake The Northridge earthquake occurred on January 17, 1994 at 4:31 AM Pacific Standard Time in the city of Los Angeles, California. The earthquake had a "strong" moment magnitude of 6. . Supporters see the new $2.4 million theater as the crown jewel Crown jewel A particularly profitable or otherwise particularly valuable corporate unit or asset of a firm. Often used in risk arbitrage. The most desirable entities within a diversified corporation as measured by asset value, earning power, and business prospects; in takeover in a six-block revitalization effort that includes historic Antique Row. ``Out of the rubble of the earthquake, something wonderful is coming,'' said City Councilwoman Laura Chick, whose district includes the area. ``The Madrid Theatre will remove blight, bring quality entertainment and revitalize the Canoga Park business district.'' ``We can't think of a better renaissance than to turn it from its former use to its future use,'' Rep. Brad Sherman Bradley J. "Brad" Sherman (born October 24 1954) is an American politician. He has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 1997, representing California's At-large congressional district. , D-Woodland Hills, said of the theater. ``This is a chance to bring live professional theater to Canoga Park.'' The planned two-story theater will feature a 247-seat space that can be converted into an orchestra pit. About 50,000 people annually are expected to attend a variety of cultural events including plays, musical concerts, dances and lectures. Performing arts groups, including the San Fernando Valley Symphony, North Winds Quartet and Woodland Hills Community Theatre, have expressed in using the venue. The revitalization project - financed by a $3 million federal Economic Development Administration grant - also includes plans for sidewalks, trees, lighting and other improvements. CAPTION(S): 2 Photos PHOTO (1) Actor Alan Miller acts as master of ceremonies at Friday's groundbreaking in Canoga Park. (2) The Madrid Theatre, seen in an artist's sketch, will stage plays and concerts and is viewed as the crown jewel of Sherman Way redevelopment. Bob Halvorsen/Daily News |
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