SIMI VALLEY : City to Buy Church as Cultural Center

Simi Valley officials announced Friday that they have reached a purchase agreement with the owner of a landmark church the city plans to convert into a performing arts center.

The city has agreed to buy the vacant building in the 3000 block of Los Angeles Avenue for $820,000, Assistant City Manager Jay Corey said. The city has been negotiating with Bob Mitchell, owner of the church, since February.

Mitchell could not be reached for comment Friday.

The two-story building, constructed in 1924, was originally a Methodist church and is a registered Ventura County historical landmark. Over the years, the building has also served as a mortuary and a Jewish temple.

Mitchell bought the building in 1986 for $650,000. However, his plans to turn it into a wedding chapel never materialized.

Corey said the city intends to use the facility for a variety of cultural activities, including theater productions, concerts and visual arts exhibitions.

Corey said city officials estimate it will cost an additional $2 million to $2.5 million to bring the building up to safety standards and to convert it into a 300-seat theater.