Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium Seismic Retrofit
Description
This project will seismically retrofit the Marin Center VMA to mitigate risks to the occupants of facility in the event of a major seismic incident at the site. The improvements are designed to elevate the structural seismic performance to a level that meets the current code standards for life and safety. Project scope of work will include strengthening of the theater stage roof diaphragm, strengthening of the stage walls, bracing of the suspended control room, and bracing of the plaster ceilings. In addition, the project will include reroofing above the theater stage and code required accessibility upgrades.
Timeline
September 2020
- The Marin County Board of Supervisors accepted FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant funding for project design.
October 2020
- The Marin County Board of Supervisor awards a contract for engineering services and the design phase is initiated.
December 2021
- Project design is complete.
May 2022
- The Marin County Board of Supervisors accepts FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant funding for project construction.
February 2023
- The Marin County Board of Supervisors accepts supplemental FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant funding for project construction.
- The Marin County Board of Supervisors approves the plans and specifications and authorizes the project to be advertised for bids.
June 2023
- Construction started in June 2023, at which time the VMA will close to the public.
Spring 2024
- Construction is anticipated to be complete, after which the VMA will reopen to the public.
Construction progress updates

August 2023
Since the start of construction in June 2023, the majority of work has concentrated on the stage roof (not the dome) area demolition and preparation for next steps. The 4 smoke hatches have been removed (they will be replaced with the current standard for smoke hatches later in the project). The bathroom demolition as well as the control room demolition activities have been completed. Steel work is expected to begin the week of September 28 on the roof and stage walls. Currently all efforts are on schedule.

September 2023
Crews are working to complete all roof work in anticipation of potential rains that may come in late October or early November. All supporting steel below the roof deck has been installed. The steel roof pedestals are being welded into place for placement of the steel trusses. On the inside of the building, the control room demolition has been completed and electrical reconfiguration is set to begin shortly. After that is complete, implementation of the new floor decking and seismic bracing will begin.

October 2023
Seismic bracing in the ceiling throughout the facility has begun. The new steel roof trusses have been placed and the finishing touches to related steel components are being worked on. Roofing work is scheduled to begin the week of October 23 and is expected to be completed by October 31. All demo activities in the auditorium control room have been completed. Installation of the new seismic metal floor decking for strengthening the control room is also expected to be begin the week of October 23.