Ivy Substation, Performing arts center in Culver City, California
Ivy Substation is a single-story rectangular building in Culver City with brick walls under stucco finish, designed in Mission Revival style. Inside sits a small theater space with approximately 99 seats that retains the original architectural character and proportions of its industrial past.
Built in 1907 as an electrical substation for the Los Angeles Pacific Railway, it converted high voltage alternating current into direct current for streetcar operations. The building later found new purpose as a theater venue, marking a transition from industrial infrastructure to cultural use.
The theater company The Actors' Gang has made this their home, staging modern productions that draw local audiences. The intimate seating and bare brick walls create a sense of connection between performers and viewers that feels different from larger venues.
The venue sits in the heart of Culver City with convenient parking nearby and easy access from local streets. Plan your visit in advance since performances follow a seasonal schedule and the small theater fills up quickly.
Originally designed as technical infrastructure for the region's early electrical systems, the building was never intended to become a theater venue. The transformation from machinery-filled plant to cultural space tells an unexpected story about how cities repurpose their industrial past.
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