Veterans' Memorial Auditorium Closure Extended As New Issues Emerge

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Renovations at Marin County's largest entertainment venue will take longer than anticipated after crews discovered more areas of concern in need of upgrades, officials said Tuesday.

Work to make seismic upgrades and other code improvements at the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Veterans' Memorial Auditorium got underway earlier in the year, initially aiming to complete work by next May.

In a news release Tuesday, county officials said inspectors ruled the perimeter foundation and pieces supporting the domed roof were stable, but other problems came to light. Engineers learned soil under the foundation had "settled substantially," causing cracks in concrete, voids under the floor and damaged drainage and sewer lines.

Officials said intruding water had also damaged electrical equipment, along with heating ventilation and air conditioning systems. As a result, the county expects the best-case timeline for reopening the venue will be in late 2025.

"Public Works is engaging with our architects, structural engineers, and consultants to map out designs and plans for this work and ascertain the full scope of what can be accomplished during this construction period," said Gabriella Calicchio, Marin's Director of Cultural Services. "In the best of all worlds, our reopening would feature many tangible changes — both functional and aesthetic — to the inside of the VMA, providing a more enhanced and secure environment for future events."

With the VMA closed for longer than planned, officials said Marin Center's Showcase Theater, Exhibit Hall, Barolini Gallery and fairgrounds will continue to host performances and events for residents to enjoy in the coming months. A calendar of upcoming events is available on the county's website.