What makes Albert Frey's architecture so special?
Frey put together a new type of architecture based on the Bauhaus. Le Corbusier and the international style that embraces the sun, the pure Air and the simple shapes of the California desert. He used steel, glass, aluminum, concrete masonry and the desert landscape to create his own aesthetic. There are many classic Frey details and features in the church. Robson Chambers was also an important part of the team.
What surprised you about the structure?
The building is timeless and the floor plan lends itself beautifully to this adaptive reuse. The small meeting rooms become changing rooms. The Sunday school room becomes a rehearsal room. These rooms just fit like a glove.
What is your vision for recovery and transformation?
This is and has always been a community gathering place and repurposing the structure is the most sustainable approach.
The terrace outside the lobby will be the primary meeting point. It is a seamless glass and aluminum frame design that responds to the original design and rhythm.
It was an advantage to have the original drawings by Clark, Frey and Chambers. We try to maintain the same color and material palette throughout the interior and exterior, including polished concrete floors with renovated redwood fascias. We are pouring new terrazzo to match the original and then demolishing it to expand the men's and women's restrooms to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act and building codes.
They discovered furniture by Arthur Elrod in the church. Did he decorate the interior?
The theory is that Arthur was Elrod's partner, Hal Broderick, a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, and introduced Elrod to the practice. Both became the church's first readers – elected by other members to lead the congregation. We have records of Elrod's involvement around 1956. As far as we know, Arthur Elrod Associates provided interior design services for the church. A handful of elements he created, designed or selected remain. Most notable are Kurt Versen's beautiful and distinctive Saturn lights, which still illuminate the Sunday school room.
When were the Southwestern design elements introduced?
The late 1980s saw a nationwide proliferation of design motifs and color palettes characteristic of the American Southwest. In 1989 and 1990 the church underwent a southwestern remodeling, during which almost all evidence of the influence of Arthur Elrod Associates was replaced. During this redesign, the original 250 theater seats in the chapel were replaced with church pews.
What brings TheatreDNA to transformation?
These guys bring their expertise to create a functional and technically sound theater. I trust their expertise on the technical aspects of the space and design – how it feels and how it works for the performance.
What role does landscape architecture play in the design?
The aesthetics of Albert Frey's building design were often translated into the landscape. We are fortunate to have extensive reference material: historical photographs, some by Julius Shulman, and original drawings. Many of the original landscape features still remain, including both the landscape and the individual olive trees. Our goal is to stay true to this original design intent so that the new work looks natural to the site.
How do you feel about having to wait until spring to begin Phase 2 of this transformation?
To be honest, I was initially disappointed by the news that a temporary environment would be required for the 2025-2026 season. I hope visitors realize that the best is yet to come.