ON POINT - February 2009
| “Behind the Scenes at NTC Promenade” Civic Community Forum – February 10th, 5:00pm – 6:00pm at Recreational Music Center at 2590 Truxtun Road, Studio 103. |
Study Outlines Options for Renovation—Next Steps for Luce Auditorium
“Luce Auditorium can be rehabilitated into a significant community asset with significant interior improvements and there is substantial interest from the community in its potential.” That is the bottom line in a recently completed Reuse Feasibility Study commissioned by the NTC Foundation to determine the future mission for historic Luce Auditorium at NTC Promenade.
Luce Auditorium is a cavernous 1,800-seat auditorium that was built in 1941 to serve as a lecture hall and cinema for Navy recruits. It has sat empty since the base was closed in 1997, and is among the 26 city-owned buildings in the NTC Historic District that are now under the stewardship of the not-for-profit NTC Foundation.
With the help of over 70 donors, we commissioned a thorough Reuse Feasibility Study to 1) determine the highest and best use for Luce Auditorium; 2) align it with the community’s needs to ensure broad community use and access; and 3) gain insight to develop a business plan to sustain operations. To determine all this, we engaged the services of AlbertHall & Associates, Landry & Bogan, Theatre Consultants, and Dohn and Associates, Acoustical Consulting.
Summary of Findings
In order to be successful the report states the NTC Foundation needs to:
- Develop a flexible design that will serve the broadest need
- Avoid competing with a crowded market of similar facilities
- Fully develop the operating plan
- Understand our programmatic potential in the venue
- Complement our current operating goals and strengths
A Preferred Reuse Scenario – Multi-Use Facility with Flexible Configuration
The study demonstrated that a feasible reuse scenario could be a multiplex/multistage configuration that would support a Dance Theatre and a Center for Film & Media.
- As envisioned, this venue would become the focal point for dance performances, and film presentation in the San Diego region.
- It could offer 2 modern small film venues and a 500 seat auditorium.
Progress Since the Study was Completed
In November 2008, the NTC Foundation convened a facilitated focus group with the Film Festival Alliance, at which representatives from 12 film festivals told us what would make an ideal Cinema Center for San Diego, and how Luce Auditorium could meet that need.
Next Steps
The NTC Foundation is preparing a “letter of inquiry” to the historic agencies that govern the design and renovation of buildings in the NTC Historic District to determine if the recommended changes to the interior of Luce Auditorium will be allowed. This is a critical next step that will help us to better define the most appropriate design and operational goals for the Auditorium’s adaptive reuse; determine if the various operating scenarios could be financially sustainable; fine tune renovation costs; and identify prospective donors to fund the renovations and an operating endowment.
As we move all this work forward, the NTC Foundation will simultaneously be working to complete renovations and leasing on the remaining 18 buildings in the 26-building Civic Arts and Culture District, and operate the completed seven buildings at NTC Promenade, which are now home to 25 resident groups.
If you are interested in reading the full study, we've posted it to our “NTC Promenade in the News” page. And if you know of any donors that can help create a new landmark performance and film venue, please let us know. We invite any questions or comments. Contact Alan Ziter, Executive Director, at 619 573-9315 or email at [email protected].
In the meantime, we invite you to enjoy the many activities, classes, exhibits and events – as well as the fine dining at Solare – in the buildings now open at NTC Promenade.
Idyllic Open Air Events
San Diego’s weather is wonderful most of the year so it’s no surprise that outdoor events are so popular. The trick can be finding an area that can be out in the open and yet somewhat private. NTC Promenade has wonderful outdoor venues that allow you to enjoy the sun or stars.
Maybe you’ve dreamed of a rose garden wedding. Want just the right spot for that corporate picnic and teambuilding? How about dancing under the stars for a charity fundraiser? Need a new route for that 5K? Looking for a convenient destination for that festival or craft fair with plenty of free parking?
Any of those scenarios is easily accomplished at NTC Promenade. Consider these locales:
- Legacy Plaza - 13,000 square foot outdoor plaza; surrounded by acres of lush landscaping;
- Luce Court - 9,500 square foot venue; surrounds a beautiful 1,700 square foot water fountain with 9 lights and up lighting on palm trees for beautifully lit evening events;
- Sybil Stockdale Rose Garden - 5,000 square foot outdoor garden with hundreds of colorful rose bushes, a rippling fountain, and a terrace that creates a natural stage setting; and more.
So come to NTC Promenade for your next event, indoors or out, large or small, public or private.
For more information, call (619) 573-9260. Our wonderful sales team will partner with you to fulfill your dreams and exceed your expectations.
Solare Ristorante Expands Culinary Experiences
Solare Ristorante has announced that starting in March, Cooking Classes will be offered on Saturday mornings from 9am to 12 noon, with a Free Introductory Class on March 7. Starting February 3, the restaurant will dedicate lunch time to host prearranged private and corporate events, luncheon meetings, mixers and wedding receptions. The restaurant will be open to the general public for dinner on Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30pm to 10pm, with wine specials, live music and martini nights and complimentary tapas buffets on various days. Solare is also considering Sunday Brunch and invite customer feedback. For reservations or more information, contact Solare at 619 270-9670 or [email protected] and log onto www.SolareLounge.com.
ARTS Founder Honored as Community Hero
Congratulations to Matt D’Arrigo, founding executive director of ARTS: A Reason to Survive, who was honored with a Community Hero Award by the Safeco Insurance Foundation for making a positive impact on our community, and inspiring others to do the same. Now in its 3rd year at NTC Promenade in Building 201, ARTS is a not-for-profit dedicated to healing, inspiring and empowering children facing life challenges by providing free, innovative arts-based programs, education and opportunities. Learn more at www.artsurvive.org.
To The Point ...
February North Chapel Open Houses
Here's your chance to tour The North Chapel at Liberty Station. An open house will be held on Tuesdays from 11 am to 1 pm and on Wednesdays from 3 pm to 5 pm. The chapel is located at 2881 Roosevelt Dr. For more information, please visit www.thenorthchapel.com.
February 4 - 27 – San Diego Watercolor Society February Juried Exhibition
The San Diego Watercolor Society (SDWS) presents ‘Valentine Visions,’ a free exhibition and sale of original watercolors by local member artists, juried by Elaine Harvey. Everyone is welcome to the opening reception on February 6, 5-8pm, at the SDWS Gallery. Gallery hours are 11am-5pm, Wed-Sun. For more information please visit www.sdws.org.
February 5th – San Diego Women’s Network
Established in 1992, the San Diego Women’s Network is a community of local professional women. We’re “friends with a purpose” who meet monthly to network, learn from educational speakers and from each other, and work together in support of local charitable organizations. Our next monthly meeting is February 5 @ 6 pm at the Command Center at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego. For more information about the meeting please visit www.sdwn.org.
February 5, 12, 19, 26 – Families Helping Families Parent Support Group
The Jenna Druck Foundation’s FHF program offers support and educational services to families that have lost children. This weekly support group from 6:30 pm to 8 pm is open to parents and those that support them on the journey of experiencing ‘the worst loss.’ Dr. Ken Druck and Denise Hankins facilitate these support groups that serve as a life-line to hundreds of San Diego Families. Call their office with questions 619-294-8000.
February 10th – “Behind the Scenes at NTC Promenade” Monthly Forum
NTC Foundation Monthly civic community forum, 5 pm to 6 pm, Recreational Music Center at 2590 Truxtun Road, Studio 103 – in the building with the US Karate Academy sign. There is no charge for admission. For more information please visit www.ntcpromenade.com.
February 13th – KyXy Wedding Marathon – Lucky in Love
For the second year in a row, The Venues at NTC Promenade, KyXy 96.5, and the charming North Chapel are teaming up for the KyXy Wedding Marathon – Lucky in Love! We’re giving away 30 weddings or vow renewals during a 10-hour marathon of nuptials from 9am to 7pm on what some people will be saying the luckiest day of the year – Friday, February 13, 2009! AND to make it even more special, we’ll be webcasting the whole event LIVE on KyXy.com. For more information please visit www.kyxy.com/pages/3498139.php
February 14th & 15th – California Open Wildlife Art Festival – 2009
On February 14-15, more than 150 artists and carvers from parts of the United States, Canada, and Japan will compete for awards and exhibit their work at Liberty Station – NTC Promenade, Corky McMillin Event Center, 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego, CA 92106. Ample free parking. Show hours are from 9:30 am to 4 pm Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm Sunday. The public is invited. Entry donation is $5.00, children under 12 are free.
The event, the 36th annual CALIFORNIA OPEN WILDLIFE ART FESTIVAL, is sponsored by Pacific Southwest Wildlife Arts, Inc. PSWA is a nonprofit organization founded to support and promote wildfowl art, particularly the traditional hunting decoy, a truly American art form. The show has gained a national reputation as one of the best decoy competitions and wildlife art shows in the country. For more information please visit www.pswa.net.
February 22nd - From Minsk to Manhattan: Jewish Music in the Jewish Immigrant Experience -
A Lecture with Music Featuring Yale Strom
The New Americans Museum is pleased to announce a special community event presented to augment the current exhibition, From Haven to Home: 350 Years of Jewish Life in America.
In partnership with the Jewish Studies Program at San Diego State University and the Jewish Historical Society of San Diego, the Museum will host a “lecture with music” by noted violinist, klezmer music scholar, composer, film maker, writer, photographer and playwright, Yale Strom. The event is free and guests are invited to visit the exhibition before or after the lecture. More Info.
March 1st – Inaugural Doggie Street Festival
Sunday, March 1, 9 am to 4 pm, inaugural Doggie Street Festival to promote pet adoption, featuring pet demonstrations, contests, vendors and services, live music and food. The free event takes place at NTC Park on Cushing Road at Liberty Station. For more information, visit www.doggie-streetfestival.org
Be sure to check the NTC Promenade online calendar for all the happenings scheduled.
Please consider making a gift to NTC Foundation to help us translate the community’s vision for NTC Promenade into a new Arts and Culture District that will increase the quality of life for all San Diegans. Donate now!