The Pasadena Playhouse Buys Back Historic Buildings

The Pasadena Playhouse has bought back its historic 70,000-square-foot campus more than five decades after losing the property in bankruptcy to a real estate developer, marking a stunning milestone in the theater’s 100th anniversary year. The acquisition, announced on Sunday, April 6, represents the culmination of a dramatic institutional turnaround for California’s official State Theater and includes the original 1925 theater building and six-story annex.

“For most of our history, we’ve been making extraordinary theater here while essentially renting our own home. Today, that changes. Thanks to the generosity of our community, this building is finally back where it belongs—with the people who built it and believe in its future,” said Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman.

The purchase was funded through a $15 million fundraising campaign that has already reached 75% of its goal. The lead gift for the effort was provided by the Perenchio Foundation and matched by major arts philanthropists Terri and Jerry Kohl. Additional major donors include The Ahmanson Foundation, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, Brad and Pamela King, Harmon and Lea Kong, Leigh and Harry Olivar, Jane Kaczmarek, Bingo and Gino Roncelli, and Erin and Jeremy Baker.

The transaction, completed on April 4, returns ownership of the Spanish Colonial Revival-style building to the Playhouse for the first time since it was lost to bankruptcy in 1970.

Located at 39 S. El Molino Avenue and anchoring the Pasadena Playhouse Historic District, the property includes the original theater, the Fannie E. Morrison Building annex built in 1936 to house the renowned College of Theatre Arts, the intimate Carrie Hamilton Theater dedicated in memory of Carol Burnett’s late daughter in 2006, and a first-floor restaurant space which was most recently home to Bar Chelou.

“This is an inspiring community moment, and we should all share in the pride and joy of it,” said Erin Baker, chair of the Pasadena Playhouse Board of Trustees. “With this purchase, we are committing to revitalizing the powerful original vision of the Playhouse and bringing it to life for a new century.”

The building acquisition caps a remarkable resurgence for the institution under Feldman’s leadership since 2016, highlighted by receipt of the 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award. The announcement was first made to a sold-out crowd at the Playhouse’s annual gala, which broke the $1 million fundraising mark for the first time.

The historic Playhouse building, designed by renowned architect Elmer Grey, will officially turn 100 on May 18, 2025. With the facility now returned to Playhouse ownership, opportunities abound to enhance, restore, and reimagine the space for the 21st century.

“Owning our historic campus unlocks endless possibilities for what Pasadena Playhouse can be in its second century,” said Feldman.