Timelapse: The Ford's Renovation
Watch the venue’s 2014-2017 transformation take shape.
In 2017, The Ford completed the most comprehensive restoration and renovation project to date for this historic site, prolonging its life as a cultural resource and architectural landmark. Designed by Brenda Levin of Levin & Associates Architects with Mia Lehrer + Associates landscape architects, the project was initiated to address erosion and damage to the structure as a result of the facility’s original rudimentary irrigation system, which channeled water directly through and under the theater.
Improvements included a new drainage and storm-water management system, hillside stabilization, a new two-tiered wooden stage, the addition of 1,800 square feet of artist-support space, a new sound wall, new lighting and sound system, and the construction of a new building that included a new picnic and performance terrace, full-service concessions kitchen, administrative offices, and a loading dock.
Timelapse photography by Alex Pitt.
Related Stories
LA Moves: Dance at the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford
The legacy of dance is alive and leaping across the stages of both the Bowl and The Ford.
Dancing Through the Years
A visual history of dance performance at The Ford.
Rock's Brightest Stars at The Ford
From Jane's Addiction to Social Distortion to X, The Ford has played host to legendary Southern California punk bands. Learn more about our history as a rock venue.
Tom Explores The Ford
Tom Carroll of Tom Explores Los Angeles explains why there's a cross on top of the hills above The Ford.
Impostor, Revealed!
Solving one of The Ford’s most perplexing archival mysteries.
The Cinderella Among Open-Air Theaters
The Ford transforms for a 1938 production of Goethe’s Faust.