THE HISTORIC Elks Lodge on N. Ash Street has seen better days; its once tidy exterior has fallen into disrepair since the Elks set up shop elsewhere in Ventura. Likewise, the upper two levels of the parking structure at the end of California Street are rarely used by anyone except for the occasional seagull. But both structures have been given new life by local movers and shakers who are busy creating vibrant new spaces.
For David Armstrong and Stephen "Schaf" Schafer, it's about finding new space for the arts. Armstrong coaxed Elks Lodge owners Jeff Becker and Vim Jonker into letting them use the space in exchange for cleaning it up. Becker and Jonker plan to build condos nearby.
"Our vision is to make this a dynamic center for the arts with three to four resident companies and cost-effective rentals for occasional users," Schafer said.
The three-story structure, built in 1928, has a 300-seat theater. Events scheduled for the facility this summer include children's theater classes and various activities associated with the Rubicon International Theatre Festival.
It's all part of a grander vision for Downtown called Project Encore. Next up are revitalization projects for the abandoned and current E.P. Foster libraries "to become a dynamic community space where people discover art, music, language and history," Schafer said.
"The building blocks for a unique cultural district are in place -- it is up to us to make it a reality," he added.
A FEW BLOCKS AWAY, Rod Houck has his own magic cooking. He received a permit to tent the top of the city-owned parking structure and turn it into the Ocean View Beach Club for events. And while it will be a for-profit venue, his first big event is a fund-raiser on June 21 for Angel Project, which benefits several charities, including the Ventura County AIDS Partnership.
"I love to do a couple of events for charity a year," Houck said. The energetic local entrepreneur already manages the popular Eucalyptus Lane off Victoria Ave., which is in heavy use for weddings and charity events year round. Over the years, Houck has helped raised thousands of dollars for non-profit groups like the Boys and Girls Clubs and Casa Pacifica.
The upper deck of the parking garage is used occasionally by the city for events, but languishes most of the year, said Dori Boyer of the city's Economic Development Department. It is only opened for parking for large events Downtown like the County Fair.
Houck plans to stage weddings on the nearby beach and hold receptions in the new Beach Club.
These creative uses of abandoned spaces help keep the local economy pumping and make Ventura an even livelier place.
A clean-up day for the Elks Lodge, 11 S. Ash St., is planned for Saturday, June 14 at 9 a.m. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves, mops, paint, cleaning materials, water and snacks. For more details and a full list of needed items, visit www.downtownventura.org
Angel Project's "The Second Annual Evening Under the Stars" will be Saturday, June 21 6:30-11 p.m. at the new Ocean View Beach Club, on top of the parking garage at 500 W. Harbor Blvd. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door. For more information, go to www.angel-project.org
I sure hope that the permit that Mr. Houck received wasn't free. I also hope that the city will be getting a percentage of Mr. Houck's for profit events.
While you say: "These creative uses of abandoned spaces help keep the local economy pumping and make Ventura an even livelier place", I say the city is broke and if someone wants to use our space they should pay us big $$$ to use it.
Yes, Mr. Houck is paying PLENTY for his permit. The city is receiving money for a space that was not generating any revenue previously. It's a win-win.
The Downtown Ventura Organization is proud to co-sponsor this interior makeover with the ELKS. Our vice chairman, Dave Armstrong's vision for Project Encore is just what the downtown "cultural district" needs - more cultural venues. Repurposing and adaptively reusing this state and local historic landmark is a no brainer. The performing arts orgs that have already committed to leasing space this summer are a perfect fit. Come out on Saturday and be a part of preserving and saving one of Ventura's wonderful architectural assets. 9am - noon! Bring work gloves and any tools you can.
Using the top of that parking lot, with its great vistas, is an inspired bit of thinking.