Glendale Arts, the managing company of the historic Alex Theatre, announced that the Glendale City Council and the Economic Development Corporation have approved the lease and management agreements for the almost 90-year-old venue.

In June, the State of California officially transferred ownership of the Alex Theatre from the Glendale Successor Agency to the City of Glendale, paving the way for these agreements to be finalized. This announcement paints a bright picture for the future of the arts in Glendale.

“This partnership will lend stability and longevity to the Theatre and encourage philanthropic giving. The new agreement will be more favorable to somebody who is considering contributing,” said Philip Lanzafame, director of Community Development, City of Glendale. “The agreements include a $1 per year lease with the City of Glendale and management fee structure that includes $415,000 for the first two years, $200,000 for the following two and $150,000 for the fifth and final year of the agreement and includes an option to extend the lease for an additional five years beyond 2020. Glendale Arts assumes all responsibility for capital improvement projects which were previously funded by the former Redevelopment Agency.”

Glendale Arts also announced new leadership of its board of directors for the 2015-16 fiscal year. On July 1, Harry Hull of Hull Homes Realty, chair of the board for the past two years, stepped down and assumed the role of immediate past chair. Peter Weir, partner in charge of Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP Glendale Office, and former vice chair of the board, now serves as the organization’s chair and Vincent Espinoza will be stepping into the role of vice chair. Espinoza is a prominent local businessman and community volunteer who is active in the Glendale Kiwanis Club and formerly served on the board of the Campbell Center.

“We are so grateful for all that Harry has done for the Alex,” said Weir. “He led the Theatre through some tumultuous times, and the result of his work is a more stable organization. I hope to continue this work and allow the Alex and Glendale Arts to shine in years to come.”

The Alex Theatre is preparing for its 90th birthday on Sept. 4. Among the plans are the Illuminate Project, a $75,000 fundraising campaign to re-light the Theatre’s iconic 100-foot tall tower and spire.

“2015 is proving to be a very good year for Glendale Arts and the Alex Theatre. With its lease and management negotiations coming to a close, Glendale Arts is now poised to not only preserve the Alex Theatre for generations to come but also expand our arts reach in the community,” said Elissa Glickman, Glendale Arts’ CEO.  “In addition to celebrating the Alex’s 90th, GA plans to expand its popular Pop Up! free concert series and GA Tickets programs, as well as launch GAEdu with a summer performing arts program called Act Out at the Alex and Internship program with Hoover High School in addition to The Fest in Downtown Glendale, an outdoor street festival planned for September 2016.”