Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium Seismic Retrofit & Other Building Systems Improvements

Renovation of the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired 2,000-seat Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (VMA) began in July 2023 to conduct necessary seismic and code improvements. Having an opportunity created by the building being dark for this seismic work, investigative studies were conducted to evaluate the rest of the VMA structure.  While inspections determined that the perimeter foundation and elements supporting the domed roof are structurally sound, engineers discovered that soil under the building’s foundation has settled substantially and caused concrete cracking, voids beneath the floor, and damage to drainage and sewer lines. Also, water intrusion over the years has damaged lift equipment, electrical equipment, and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. 

The Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (VMA) will require more construction upgrades than originally scheduled during its current renovation because of recently discovered concerns. The earliest anticipated reopening date is fall 2025 as the Department of Cultural Services and the Department of Public Works collaborate on the project. 

The current project is seismically retrofitting the Marin Center VMA to mitigate risks to the occupants of the 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 includes 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. 

While the building was closed for the Seismic Retrofit project, investigative studies were conducted to evaluate the rest of the VMA building structure and systems. The report concluded that the building’s perimeter foundation is structurally sound, and that the elements supporting the domed roof are performing as designed. However, the subgrade below the building has settled significantly. The settlement has damaged the floor slabs, internal sewer, roof drain plumbing, and electrical systems. The report also indicated that the emergency egress lighting system does not meet current code requirements and noted several other electrical and mechanical deficiencies. 

To ensure the VMA is safe for public use when it reopens, a separate, subsequent project is being planned to address the ground settlement and deficiencies in the building systems after the work for the Seismic Retrofit Project is completed. This additional work will require the building to remain closed through at least fall 2025. 

During this time of construction, we are exploring the possibility of some of Front of House improvements which have been identified as priorities for our producers. These improvements include updated seats and seating configuration, improved restrooms, and addressing the acoustics in the auditorium, to name a few. We do not yet know if the project budget and timeline will accommodate any of these additional improvements, but we expect to have more complete information regarding the scope and the duration of the work by end of May 2024. 

Although the VMA remains closed for the near future, performances, events, and activities are still vibrant at the Marin Center in the Showcase Theater, Exhibit Hall, Bartolini Gallery, and fairgrounds. Some arts organizations have found alternative performance venues to sustain them until the VMA is reopened.    

The VMA Seismic Retrofit project total approved budget is $6.85M.  Of this total, $5.13M is expected to be reimbursed by a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant. The County also allocated $10 million in one–time funding in June 2023 to address other building needs beyond the seismic retrofit. This funding will cover the cost of the health/safety repairs, but additional funds will be needed to create a new seating configuration, new seats, and a sound wall. 

The Veterans’ Memorial (VMA) parking lot and north campus gateway to the Marin Center requires significant repairs that include a new surface, subgrade repairs, and new permeable drainage system under parking stalls (see Project webpage). The work incorporates prior campus traffic studies and parking plans, provides for new Wi-Fi devices to improve campus coverage, future conduits to support electrical vehicle (EV) charging, new islands, walkways, modernized new lighting fixtures and controls, and irrigated landscape areas. These improvements will support the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium and various Marin County Cultural Services’ events/activities. The completed VMA parking lot area will include a new asphalt surface with striping, signage, hardscape, irrigation and plantings to better support traffic, bicycles, VMA patrons, and pedestrian access. The total project cost is estimated at $9.4 million. The funding set-aside process began in 2012 under the County’s Capital Improvement Project fund.