Comments from Hagelis

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Hagelis
Hagelis commented about Covina Theatre on Mar 21, 2008 at 1:07 am

Status= Opened October 2007
No Screen=Fulll Performing Arts Theatre
Style= Turn of the Century
Function=Performing Arts Center
Seating=99 to 170
Chain=Privately Owned by the Champion Family Foundation
Architect=
Firm=Alpha Omega Construction Corporation

To clear up everyone’s assumptions and misinformation, FIrst of all the City of Covina did not put one cent into the renovation and rebuild of the Covina Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA).
It was purchased by the Champion Family Foundation by Chris and Retha Champion, who funded the design and construction of the entire facility and surrounding grounds. There were not concessions given given in any way to the Champions for adding this landmark to the City of Covina.

All processes including Environmental Impact Reports,EPA reviews, density, traffic studies, design, signage, easement submittals, meetings and approvals from the design review board, City Counsel and historical were complied with as well as the normal construction permits, easement etc., were performed, exercised and processed.

A basement was excavated below the oritinal theatre grade to add theatrical trap lifts, equipment, dressing rooms, etc., and all historical “finds” that were uncovered during demolition/re-construction were saved and either reused, given to the Covina Historical museum or will be on display in the theatre.

The construction started in January of 2004 and because of all the unforseen issues with substandard, damaged structures, redesigning and changing from a one building renovation to removal and rebuilding of 3 structures. THERE WAS NEVER AN EMPTY LOT!

The theatre opened in October of 2007 with a Gala event show. The original “Covina” letters were made of steel and in a state of decay that required them to be copied,identical to the originals in
aluminum and reinstalled. The balance of the marque was designed along with the building under the direction of Ms.Champion as a structure representing the turn of the century.

Originally the project was only to renovate the existing theatre structure but during demolition, it was found that the adjacent buildings (North/SOuth) were attached and in major disrepair/damaged.

The new facility is authentic architecturally, using modern energy effecient materials,and the latest construction methods. The sound and theatrical equipment is the state of the art with the abilities of hosting musicals, concerts, plays, you name it, the theatre can handle it… in a very intimate, turn of the century classical atmosphere. It is a for the appreciation for the arts in the San Gabriel Valley. There is nothing like it anywhere. The Interior and exterior designs were by the Champions, of Covina, Construction & Construction Management by Alpha Omega Construction of Claremont CA.

The thteatre facilities consist of the theatre, Balcony box seats and Cabaret area, Banquet facilities with Kitchen, classrooms for the New Performing Youth institute, adjacent lease spaces for restaurants, dressing rooms, Voice classroom, Sound studio and the Foundation offices. The total square footage is 16,290, it has the flexiblilty of being a 99 seat “Equity house”, but can comfortably seat over 10.

OH! and besides all this, the shows and concerts are great!!!
A Must See!