MCCOY ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER (MACC)
TOWN AWARDS MCCOY ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER (MACC) CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
Development of the McCoy Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) took another step forward on July 2, when the Mammoth Lakes Town Council awarded the project’s construction contract to Spiess Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $15,862,000.
To celebrate this milestone, the community is invited to the groundbreaking ceremony for the MACC and a tour of the Edison Theatre renovations at 2:30pm on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 100 College Parkway.
“This transformative project honors the enduring legacy of Dave and Roma McCoy and their vision for a culturally rich and connected community,” stated Kendra Knight, Executive Director of the Mammoth Lakes Foundation. “Years in the making, the MACC is a testament to meaningful collaboration and will serve as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and education in Mammoth Lakes for generations to come.”
Construction for the MACC will commence this summer with extensive site and utility work. The new theater addition will be integrated into the substantially complete Edison Hall phase I renovations ($1 Million+) located at 100 College Parkway. This property was recently purchased by the Town from the Mammoth Lakes Foundation (MLF). Enhancements completed by MLF include dedicated dressing and rehearsal rooms, new restrooms, concession spaces, and other interior improvements. These improvements are critical to the success of the new theater and were designed and phased strategically by MLF and the Town to cohesively work together as one facility. In the interest of public safety during construction, the Edison Theatre will not be available for public use until the new McCoy Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) is fully operational.
“We are fortunate to have many talented artistic organizations in our small mountain community, including a world-class summer chamber music festival, talented community chorus, two wonderful theater groups and many young people who love to explore the performing arts,” stated Town Mayor Chris Bubser. “The MACC will allow these organizations to grow and thrive, which will benefit our entire community.”
The approximately 7,482 square-foot, 239-seat performing arts theatre will support live theater, musical performances, films, lectures, conferences, and an array of community activities. The Town’s Parks and Recreation Department will manage the facility and coordinate the theatre’s annual programming with several organizations including Chamber Music Unbound, Sierra Classic Theatre, Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre, Eastern Sierra Community Chorus, and Mammoth High School. The goal is to unify and strengthen the arts and culture community by bringing everyone together in one custom-designed auditorium.
“The Mammoth Lakes Foundation is proud to partner with the Town of Mammoth Lakes to bring the long-awaited McCoy Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) to life,” Knight added.
Last year, the Town Council authorized the Town Manager to execute a purchase and sale agreement (PSA) with the Mammoth Lakes Foundation (MLF) for the acquisition of the 8-acre property. Various minor amendments were recently authorized by the Town Council on May 7, 2025, with the formal purchase taking place on July 11, 2025.
Funding for the MACC was derived from the project’s various partners. Kern Community College District (Measure C) in the amount of $7.5 million, $3 million was contributed from the Mammoth Lakes Foundation, $500,000 from the Tambour Foundation, and $5.82 million from the Town’s General Fund and Measure U.
To ensure the financial sustainability of the MACC, the Town contracted with the recently formed Mammoth Lakes Performing Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt California Benefit Corporation, to perform fundraising activities and to administer an endowment fund to support operations and maintenance of the facility. To kick start the organization’s fundraising efforts and to support on-going overhead expenses, the Town is providing an annual contribution of $25,000. With the formation of the Mammoth Lakes Performing Arts Foundation, a generous private donor has committed $250,000 as a matching grant to develop a permanent endowment for this purpose. This is in addition to a Measure U contribution of $300,000 recommended by Mammoth Lakes Recreation (MLR).
For additional information, please contact the Town of Mammoth Lakes Parks and Recreation Department at (760) 965-3690 or visit www.townofmammothlakes.ca.gov.
