Civic Auditorium - Handrail Project

The Civic Auditorium - Handrail Project involves installing 88 stair-mounted steel handrails on the twelve (12) existing concrete staircases and two (2) wall-mounted handrails on the two (2) wall-adjacent staircases to improve physical safety and patron experience (see Plans).

Please note: Construction shall be tentatively scheduled for January 2026. Construction schedule may be subject to change pending events at the Civic Auditorium.

This project is funded through the City of Santa Cruz Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) and is subject to conditions of federal funding including federal labor standards requirements and Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (“Section 3”) as set forth in the CDBG General Conditions attached hereto and made part of the Invitation to Bid. It is desirable that Section 3 businesses bid on this project; non section 3 businesses are not prohibited from responding to this Invitation to Bid. For more information regarding the conditions of federal funding associated with this Project, including federal labor standards requirements, Section 3, and bidders' Section 3 responsibilities, please see the CDBG General Conditions incorporated within the Project Specifications herein and visit the City of Santa Cruz Section 3 website at http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/Section3.

The Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, commonly known as the Civic, has been a cornerstone of the community since its opening in 1940. Originally designed as a venue for public performances and gatherings, it has hosted countless events ranging from concerts to theater productions.

Throughout its history, the Civic has operated without handrail infrastructure, which has posed challenges for patrons, especially those with mobility issues, when accessing the elevated seating sections. The absence of handrails has often made it difficult for attendees to navigate the staircases safely, potentially detracting from their overall experience. Recognizing the need for improvements, the proposed installation of handrails aims to enhance patron safety and comfort, ensuring that more individuals can enjoy events without facing accessibility barriers.

To fund these necessary upgrades, the City applied for and received grant funds from the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department. HUD awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) specifically for accessibility improvements to Civic, which is within the downtown area, and serves senior and older adult demographics. These funds will be instrumental in making the Civic a more inclusive venue, aligning with broader efforts to improve public spaces and ensure they are welcoming and accessible to all community members.