Design-Build services for the seismic retrofit, adaptive reuse, and historic restoration of the John Anson Ford Theatres, a 1920s-era amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills. The project included the addition of new support facilities, offices, and concessions while modernizing the open-air venue to meet current performance and safety standards. Work involved constructing new mat foundations, shotcrete and shear walls, and FRP beam strengthening to enhance the structural integrity of the historic theater. Below-stage spaces were expanded and modernized to improve back-of-house functionality, while precision formwork and restoration techniques ensured that new construction seamlessly matched the original board-form concrete finishes. Advanced AV and lighting systems were integrated into the seismic upgrades, elevating production quality without compromising the historic character of the site. All work was executed within a tight schedule and active performance season, maintaining the theater’s operations and public access throughout construction.

Preserving the Past, Performing for the Future

Originally constructed in the 1920s and recognized as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, the John Anson Ford Theatres project required an intricate balance between preservation, performance, and seismic safety. Pankow’s comprehensive Design-Build delivery modernized the historic amphitheater while retaining its iconic character.

The renovation included a full seismic retrofit, new mat foundations, FRP beam strengthening, shotcrete shoring walls, and cast-in-place structural walls, all while maintaining the theater’s board-form concrete aesthetic. The team expanded the below-stage support areas, modernized the audio-visual and lighting systems, and added a three-story structure with concessions, offices, and audience amenities.

Working within the steep terrain of the Cahuenga Pass, Pankow implemented smart phasing strategies to maintain the theater’s performance calendar and minimize disruption. Through innovative sequencing, concurrent commissioning, and detailed coordination, the team delivered a project that strengthens both the structure and its cultural significance.

The Ford Theatres renovation now stands as a model of seismic resilience, adaptive reuse, and cultural preservation, celebrated for its architectural excellence and enduring community impact.