The $65 million renovation is restoring and modernizing the landmark 275-seat theatre while preserving its legacy as one of Southeastern San Diego's most important centers for arts, culture, education, and community engagement. Funded through a $35 million state grant championed by California Senate President Pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins and supplemented by Measure HH funding, the project is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
Since opening in the 1970s, the Educational Cultural Complex has served as a gathering place for generations of San Diegans, hosting influential cultural and civil rights leaders, including Coretta Scott King, Maya Angelou, Jesse Jackson, Shirley Caesar, and Stevie Wonder. The theatre has long stood as a symbol of opportunity, artistic expression, and civic engagement in the region.
"This project represents so much more than a building renovation," said Tina M. King, president of San Diego College of Continuing Education. "For nearly 50 years, the ECC Theatre has been a place where education, culture, and community come together. Reaching the halfway point of construction is an exciting reminder that we are honoring an important part of our history while creating a modern space that will inspire students, artists, and community members for generations to come."
The renovation includes extensive upgrades to the theatre's acoustics, lighting, sound systems, accessibility features, seating, lobby and gathering spaces, and stage infrastructure. Future phases will also include a new multipurpose room renovation and cultural interpretive elements that celebrate the Educational Cultural Complex's legacy of civil rights advocacy and community leadership.
As the first major Measure HH project to move into construction, the theatre renovation demonstrates the district's commitment to delivering on the promises made to voters when they approved the $3.5 billion bond measure in November 2024.
“The ECC Theatre is one of the most historically significant and cherished landmarks in our district," said SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith. "Reaching the midpoint of this renovation is a proud moment that speaks volumes about the collaboration between our college, neighbors, and project partners."
"Measure HH is doing exactly what it promised: preserving our rich community heritage while delivering the state-of-the-art educational and cultural spaces our future generations need," he added.
Construction continues to advance steadily across multiple areas of the project. New terrazzo flooring in the south wing is nearing completion, providing a glimpse of the theatre's renewed character and design. Structural decking for the new addition is also nearly complete, allowing roofing work to begin in the coming weeks. Throughout the facility, crews are continuing overhead mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection work, while steel installation for the Level 2 lobby deck remains underway. The team anticipates pouring the lobby deck later this month, marking another significant step toward transforming the historic venue into a modern performing arts destination for students and the community.
Designed by HGA, the award-winning architectural team behind the project, and managed by PCL Construction, the renovation balances historic preservation with modern functionality and accessibility. The theatre will continue serving as a hub for educational programming, cultural events, community performances, and civic engagement upon reopening.
Approved by voters in November 2024, Measure HH provides $3.5 billion to modernize, renovate, and transform facilities throughout the San Diego Community College District. The ECC Theatre Renovation was the first project to break ground under the bond program and serves as an early example of the district's commitment to investing in educational facilities, workforce development, and community-serving spaces.
Media Resources:
Virtual walkthrough (Credit: HGA)
ECC Theatre Renovation Project Profile
Live construction site cameras
360 views (front of the house, rear of house)