The Lompoc Theatre building, nearing its centennial celebration in 2027, could gain historic recognition as the renovation project hopes to begin work on the second phase this spring.

The Lompoc City Council recently endorsed efforts to designate the Lompoc Theatre and the Lompoc Land Office Building to the National Register of Historic Places. 

After noting the vote of approval, Mayor Jim Mosby said, “You got your wish,” as audience members applauded.

The city’s letter will be sent to the California State Historic Preservation Officer and the State Historical Resources Commission. 

“But the most important reason for this designation is it means money towards building and restoring the theater,” said Mark Herrier, executive director of the Lompoc Theatre Project. 

The historic designation will make the theater eligible for $4 million in historic tax credits from state and federal agencies, he added. 

“Nothing is more important to the economic-social heart of this city than restoring this treasure, and I urge your support tonight,” Herrier said. 

In addition to the theater, the proposal seeks to obtain historic designation for the Lompoc Land Office, the oldest wooden commercial building in the city and Santa Barbra County. 

“It’s one of the few of its kind. They used to be ubiquitous throughout the states, but we’re going to save this one and move it back to H Street, where it started,” Herrier said.

He said the Lompoc Theatre Project hopes to break ground in April on seismic and roof upgrades. Plans have been submitted to the city for permits and approval.

“We’re very excited as to where we are,” Herrier said. 

They hope to complete renovations in time for the centennial celebration on May 21, 2027.

The Lompoc Theatre Project launched more than a decade ago as a grassroots group seeking to revive and renovate the building at 112 North H St. 

The nonprofit organization has worked for a decade to raise funds for the project estimated to cost $10 million, propelled by the motto, “This theater will rise again.”

The campaign to raise funds for the theater’s revival received a big boost in 2022 with the debut of $2,285,000 from the state for the project.

Work so far has included removing bat guano and theater seats, along with crafting plans for the future.

Lompoc is one of two North County communities looking to restore old theater buildings. 

The Guadalupe City Council took similar action in 2021 amid efforts to restore the Royal Theater.

The city has $10.5 million from state and federal grants announced in 2022 plus leftover redevelopment funds, but the proposed project’s price was estimated at $13 million, leading to a redesign to reduce the cost. 

Along with renovating the historic theater at 848 Guadalupe St. (Highway 1), the project’s first design included a three-story performing arts center, an amphitheater and a community plaza. The redesigned project to reduce the cost means the new addition will be one-story tall.

Bids from potential builders could be submitted this spring with construction starting as soon as this summer, according to a consultant.