SLO REP Announces Groundbreaking of New Theater & Preservation of Historic Oak Tree
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) - San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre (SLO REP) has announced the historic oak tree located at the site of the its new downtown theater will not be removed and will remain in its place.
The future of the beloved tree has been in limbo of months as SLO REP and the City of San Luis Obispo debated on what to do with it.
On Monday, it was revealed the tree no longer will be removed during the construction of the new theater as was planned and instead will be featured in an outdoor plaza.
SLO REP also announced Monday groundbreaking for the long-planned theater is now expected to take place sometime next month with completion projected for spring 2028.
According to SLO REP, the new venue will feature two distinct performance spaces: a 215-seat mainstage theatre for fully staged musicals, comedies, and dramas, and a flexible 100-seat black box theatre designed for staged readings, intimate plays, experimental works, comedy nights, and cabaret-style music.
The planned new theater will be located at the corner of Monterey Street and Nipomo Street and has been in the works.
However, the project has been delayed the past several months as SLO REP and the City wrangled with options on what to do with the tree.
While SLO REP originally intended for the tree to remain in place and be incorporated into the new facility, it was ultimately decided to remove it and potentially move it to a new location.
Over the past few months, the sides have worked with arborists to decide the best course of action and ultimately, it was determined to keep it in its current place.
"Bringing this new theatre to the community is an incredible legacy and we value SLO REP’s partnership and vision,” said Bob Hill, sustainability and natural resources official San Luis Obispo Sustainability & Natural Resources Official said in a release. "This summer, we came together with SLO REP and a team of expert volunteers to try and save the large oak tree there, which was slated for removal. The work we’ve done so far has revealed new information about the root system, our efforts have given the tree its best chance of survival, and the tree has responded well. We are delighted that it appears the circumstances and conditions are right for keeping the tree where it stands today."
Now, with the future of the tree determined, SLO REP is finally able to move forward and begin the construction process within a matter of weeks.
"Our original design always imagined this tree as part of the plaza," said Pam Nichter, SLO REP Board of Directors President. "Now the experts tell us the tree has a real chance of surviving construction, so there was only one decision to make. Although leaving the tree in place adds an estimated $250,000 to our construction costs, we know our donors and community partners will be right there with us to help us make the budget work."
SLO REP also announced philanthropist Joan Gellert Sargen has pledged an additional $1.5 million to its "A New Stage" capital campaign, which now exceeds $23.8 million.
"Joan's philanthropy is so expansive that it is nearly impossible to find a local organization whose work has not been touched, strengthened, or transformed by her generosity," Patty Thayer, SLO REP Director of Development said in a statement. "Over the years, Joan has generously supported SLO REP as a show sponsor and supported our education program, the Academy of Creative Theatre. Last year she made a significant contribution to the capital campaign, and she has now followed that gift with an additional $1.5 million pledge. To say we are grateful does not do justice to her extraordinary generosity."
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