Quinceañeras, weddings, and festivals are a few of the potential uses for a future event area outside of the Lompoc Theatre.
On May 13, city Planning Commissioners gave the go-ahead for the space, a building addition, and a partial demolition that’ll support the long-planned project meant to help revitalize Old Town Lompoc.
The Lompoc Theatre Project nonprofit took the building under its wing in 2012. It’s been a little more than one year since the organization broke ground on the second phase of renovations on N. H Street.
Fundraising for the third and final phase is underway. Over the past 10 years, high-profile supporters like actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus have donated to the project. More recently, a donation from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians added $500,000 to the pot.
Mark Herrier, the nonprofit’s executive director, told commissioners the project will “transform this community” with additional revenue streams, prompting new businesses and restaurants to pop up in the area. Instead of driving home to San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara after a show, Herrier described how visitors might spend the night in Lompoc and patronize local spots.
“This theater is going to quite literally change the arc of how people perceive this community,” Herrier said.
Designers want to demolish 1,200 square feet total, including the rear façade, which will aid in constructing the outdoor event area. It’ll also make way for ADA-compliant entrances from there directly into the auditorium, Herrier explained.
A storage shed and a ticket booth will also be torn down. The structures are not significant to the historic character of the theater, according to the staff report.
Portions of the building’s 1954 renovation will also be replaced with parts mimicking the theater’s original style. New architectural plans are careful to restore the building close to its 1920s appearance. Next year, it turns 100.
“We will be partially open then,” Herrier said at the meeting. “I had hoped to be entirely open by then, but I’ll take whatever victories I can get.”
Going up on the property will be a 2,300-square-foot addition made for dressing rooms, restrooms, and a bar.
Though the municipal code doesn’t require it, the site will have parking for eight bicycles and 54 vehicles. Three stalls will be sectioned off for electric vehicle charging and three will be ADA accessible.
“We have been planning this for a long time,” Herrier said. “We have crunched the numbers, and it’s going to be really wonderful.”
“We’re excited for this project,” Commissioner Brianna Gonzales added.
Ahead of the vote, commissioners Brandon Bridge and Gary Cox recused themselves due to potential conflict-of-interest concerns. The motion passed 3-0 with a round of applause.
This article appears in May 21 – May 28, 2026.