The Newhall Elementary School auditorium project is in its final stages of renovation before its spring opening, officials said Monday.

The last tasks are the final details regarding management and operations for the facility, said Christy Smith, governing board president of the Newhall School District. 

“We’re just really pleased that it’s opening,” Smith said. “It’s a piece of Santa Clarita history, and opening it up is something that we in the district are proud of.”

 The process has been part of a yearslong effort by many to revitalize the downtown Newhall venue that currently sits unused on Walnut Street.

Before the Newhall auditorium was a part of the Newhall Elementary School, the building was called the Hart Auditorium as a part of the William S. Hart High School. The auditorium opened September 12, 1952, according to the SCV Historical Society.

While the 600-seat historical auditorium becomes more prepared for reopening, organizers are looking for local performance groups to play at the location.

“We will be having local performing arts groups from the community to come and take tours and see how the facility meets their needs,” Smith said.

The theater space underwent renovation officially in 2013, when Measure E gave a portion of the bond to fund the project, Smith said.

Related Story: Newhall Auditorium Near Final Planning Stages, Seeks Funding

The space will be open to performance groups who want to rent out the location, officials said.  

The renovation project has already cost over $4.5 million dollars.

Related Story: Newhall Elementary School Auditorium Renovation Project To Break Ground In March

Before the Newhall auditorium was a part of the Newhall Elementary School, the building was called the Hart Auditorium as a part of the William S. Hart High School. The auditorium opened September 12, 1952, according to the SCV Historical Society.

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