Construction is set to start soon on the Auburn Avenue Theater, adjacent to the new park
The City of Auburn is constructing a new, 9,960 square foot, 300-seat theater in Auburn’s downtown core serving as a cornerstone for Auburn’s downtown revitalization. The existing Theater was structurally damaged at the end of 2021, condemned in January 2022, and demolished in spring of 2024.
Rebuilding the Auburn Theater has been a strategic priority of the downtown revitalization plan to restore the area’s role as a vibrant center for arts, culture, and community life. The project will re-activate the downtown performing arts scene, stimulate economic growth through increased visitation and business activity, and generate employment opportunities for local creative professionals.
The Theater architectural and engineering design services were led by Otak Inc. (https://www.otak.com), with support from Opsis (Performing Arts Theater Architectural Design); DCI (Structural Engineering); HWA Geo Sciences (Geotechnical Engineers); ARRIS (Mechanical and Plumbing); Landis (Electrical Engineers); PLA (Theater Design); Yantis (Acoustical and Audio/Video Design); NCLOSE (Building Envelope Consulting); EcoReal (LEED Certification and Sustainability Consulting); and DCW (Cost Estimating).
Envisioned as a community-centered, sustainable, and iconic live entertainment destination hub, the new Auburn Avenue Theater aims to preserve and enhance the cultural, artistic and economic vitality of downtown Auburn’s rapidly evolving and vibrant Main Street through theater, music, comedy and visual arts. The theater will have visual connections to the Postmark Center for the Arts and an Arts Alley on the north and a new downtown park to the east, creating a trifecta of creative energy in the heart of downtown Auburn.
The new north – south orientation of the Theater’s stage and house places the tallest stage volume to the north, preserving the pedestrian-scaled-character of downtown along Main Street. This configuration also allows for direct stage access from the loading zone located along the existing alley to the north, with the loading zone doors flanked by original brick salvaged from the original Auburn Avenue Theater. A glass lobby extends the full length of the south façade with entry vestibules on both the Auburn Ave/Main Street corner and from the new Park on the east side and both entries will feature marquee reader boards, scaled based on location.
Within the theater space, the design integrates proven theater and acoustic design principles that tailor the space’s shape, size, volume, seating arrangement and materials to efficiently optimize sight lines, acoustics and technology for various types of performances. The lobby, cross-aisle and stage all at the same elevation – combined with raked tiered seating towards the rear of the Theater house and seating sloping below grade towards the stage - ensures a physically and visually accessible experience for all visitors. Interior elements include upgraded back of house amenities not present in the former theater, including restrooms, a green room, and two separate dressing rooms and storage. Dark toned, durable finishes and acoustic treatment on the Theater’s walls, floor and ceiling, balanced with vibrant color for the audience’s comfortable seating with various widths to accommodate all body types, emphasized highlights the visceral connections between audience members and the magic being created on stage.
Upon completion, the theater will provide a welcoming venue for performances, events, and community gatherings—advancing Auburn’s long-term goals for cultural vitality and economic resilience.
A new downtown park space!
A new 16,000-square-foot downtown park is designed to enhance community connection, support arts and entertainment, and provide a welcoming green space in the heart of the city. The new park will feature a centrally located lawn surrounded by dual walkways, seating walls, a small tree grove, and thoughtfully designed landscaping. An oval-shaped gathering and seating area will be positioned just outside the east entrance of the Auburn Avenue Theater, creating a natural extension of the theater experience and a space for community interaction.
At the center of the park will stand The Gathering Tree, a large, City-commissioned art installation that will serve as a visual focal point visible from Main Street. This signature piece reflects Auburn’s commitment to integrating art into public spaces and fostering a vibrant cultural identity.
Strategically located to the east of the new Auburn Avenue Theater, the park connects B Street Plaza across Main Street to the Postmark Center for the Arts, strengthening pedestrian flow and creating a cohesive downtown experience. The space is designed to function both as a pedestrian connector, passive green space and an area that can be activated for downtown events.
The site was made possible through a King County Conservation Futures Grant, which funded the acquisition of the 125 E. Main Street property, demolition of the existing structure, and preparation for park development. In accordance with grant requirements, at least 85% of the site will be maintained as green space. A permanent easement ensures the property will remain dedicated to park and open space use for generations to come.
Park construction is being coordinated in tandem with the Theater construction; with both projects slated to be completed in mid-2027.
Park Funding:
-
Property Purchase/Demolition:$950,000 from King County Conservation Futures Grant for purchase and demolition of 125 E. Main Street property
-
Park Design and Construction: $955,000
-
Grant Funding:
$250,000 from the State of Washington Direct Appropriation
-
City Funding;
$175,000 Park Impact Fees
$100,000 King County Park Levy Funds
$430,000 Parks Capital Budget Funds
|
