Episode
J.R. Roberts | How A Shuttered Landmark Became Palm Springs’ Thriving Community Stage
- Published
- Jan 12, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4140
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Summary
From the coveted corner booth at Skip Paige’s Little Bar in Palm Desert, Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence turns to one of Palm Springs’ biggest preservation wins: reopening the Plaza Theatre as a public venue. Architect, preservationist, and former city council member J.R. Roberts recounts how a shuttered landmark nearly became a gutted nightclub, then survived COVID uncertainty and post-pandemic construction inflation . He explains how a pivotal $5 million gift—and a promise that he’d “stay to the end”—reignited the effort, why contractor bids ballooned, and how the city’s support helped bridge the gap. The hosts also dig into civic life, small-town politics, and why volunteering locally can change outcomes fast . Finally, Roberts shares how Oak View Group stepped in for programming and management, setting up the theatre for a steady stream of major acts, community events, and economic impact across the Coachella Valley. Along the way, expect laughs, stories, and a candid look at what it takes to save a landmark. Takeaways : The Plaza Theatre’s comeback began when a proposed nightclub “gut job” raised preservation alarms. A small early fundraising push stalled during COVID—then the project rebounded dramatically afterward. A transformative $5 million commitment came with one condition: finish the mission, no matter what. Post-COVID construction costs and competitive bids drove the restoration budget far higher than expected. City support helped bridge the financing gap, with payback tied to cash plus economic/tax impacts. Oak View Group became a key partner, bringing resources, marketing reach, and operating expertise. Roberts’ path from Sausalito to Palm Springs highlights how local politics can shape a city’s character. The episo…