Renovation Plans for Historic Educational Cultural Complex Theatre Win Design Award

Architectural plans for a $35-million restoration of San Diego College of Continuing Education’s historic theatre at the Educational Cultural Complex in southeastern San Diego are being recognized with a prestigious Professional Design Award from the Community College Facility Coalition.

The theatre, dedicated on May 15, 1976, is woven into the fabric of Black culture in San Diego, having hosted musician Stevie Wonder, the “First Lady of Gospel” Shirley Caesar, civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson, heavyweight champion boxer Muhammad Ali, poet Maya Angelou, and Coretta Scott King, who in 1985 addressed California’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commission during a successful effort to mark her late husband’s birthday a state and federal holiday.

The theater also welcomes local community theater companies dedicated to showcasing high-quality works that reflect the experiences of communities of color. It also serves as an inviting space for hosting local community events for all.  

The restoration will preserve and rehabilitate the iconic theatre to ensure its long-term viability. Enhancements to the 275-seat venue will include improved accessibility, modern acoustic panels, updated sound and lighting controls, a new stage, revamped entries and foyer areas, and new seating. New spaces that welcome public use from the surrounding community will be incorporated into the project, such as updated exterior patios and a new large community room. Construction is scheduled to start in 2025, with a target completion date of summer, 2026.

The project was designed by HGA in San Diego, which also designed the recent renovation of the Jacobs Music Center, home of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, and a renovation of the 450-seat Main Stage theatre at San Diego State University’s Performing Arts District.

SDCCE, HGA, and the San Diego Community College District will be recognized with an Award of Honor in the Project Design category when the Community College Facility Coalition presents its Professional Design Awards at the coalition’s annual conference on Nov. 7 at The Westin in Rancho Mirage. 

The Educational Cultural Complex renovation is funded through a $35-million state grant secured by California Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) in the summer of 2021. HGA held numerous meetings with the community, students, faculty, administrators, and professional staff to shape a shared vision for the theatre’s future before submitting its plans to the California Division of the State Architect this past spring.

“This project represents the best about the communities we serve, which is why everything about this effort has been first class,” said SDCCE President Dr. Tina M. King. “I want to congratulate everyone on our team and HGA for their extensive outreach. I look forward to the opening of the renovated theatre in 2026.”