Stern Community Theatre Theatrical and House Lighting System Replacement

This project involves upgrading the stage/house lighting and electrical systems at Palo Alto’s Lucie Stern Community Theatre, which features a 369-seat auditorium, lighting control system and sound effects system. The venue primarily hosts stage performances, and occasional corporate or cultural presentations, film screenings, lectures, and other presentations.

The City of Palo Alto (“City”) is utilizing the Design-Build project delivery method for the Lucie Stern Community Theatre Theatrical and House Lighting System Replacement Project (“Project”). This Request for Proposals (RFP) invites qualified Design-Build Entities (DBEs) to submit proposals to design and construct the Project in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Both innovation and cost will be highly prioritized during the selection process.

The City seeks to implement a collaborative approach that integrates people, systems, and best practices to maximize efficiency, optimize results, and deliver the highest value to the community. The selected DBE will be responsible for all aspects of the Project, including design, engineering, permitting, construction, and compliance with relevant regulations. The contractor will be responsible for the procurement of all materials as well as the submission of applications for any required City paid permits.

The Lucie Stern Community Theatre is a historic and well-used performance venue located at 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, California. Built in the 1930s, the theatre is part of the Lucie Stern Community Center, a larger complex that houses various community spaces, office spaces, meeting rooms, a children’s theatre, a children’s library, and a ballroom.

As a focal point for community events in Palo Alto and as a revenue source generating over $150,000 per year, the current lighting and electrical systems are in dire need of renovation. A new system will attract additional users and increase revenues. The existing systems are sorely outdated and present a safety hazard. Contrary to contemporary theatre lighting standards, the current system is a hybrid of analog and digital devices. Moreover, electrical failures with the current systems cause unexpected facility closures and abruptly interfere with performing arts events. A new system is necessary to prevent these failures and to implement modern technology into the venue.

The Theatre has recently completed a renovation to the auditorium’s fixed seating and will soon be undergoing interior painting and HVAC upgrades. In the recent past, there were upgrades to the main electrical components, i.e. switchgear and electrical panels and breakers. Depending on the invasiveness of the installation and re-work of the lighting electrical systems, this project will most likely require installation to coincide with the shutdown period (TBD) of the future HVAC upgrade project.