Emerson in LA Groundbreaking set for March

President Lee Pelton announced today that Emerson will break ground for its new facility for Emerson College Los Angeles on Thursday, March 8.

The new building will be located at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Gordon Street in Hollywood, and has been designed by world-renowned architect Thom Mayne. The center will enrich academic programming and opportunities for undergraduates and graduate and professional studies students, as well as create spaces that integrate living and learning. The building will include residence halls, classrooms, and administrative spaces.

Emerson's new Los Angeles facility will be located at 5960 West Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, Ca.

“This is a historic moment for Emerson,” said Pelton. “The new facility will represent a bold, visual statement of Emerson’s presence in Los Angeles, which includes several thousand alumni active in the media and entertainment industries. It will provide students and faculty with access to the people and places that can have the biggest impact on our students’ learning experience while they are in Los Angeles.”

Pelton also announced the formation of a faculty and administrative committee to advise in the design and implementation of academic programming and an Advisory Group based in Los Angeles made up of Emerson alumni and friends.

The Academic Programming Committee will review the draft academic program previously considered and identify new programs that will further strengthen the Los Angeles program. It will make its recommendations by May 1, 2012.

The Advisory Group will assist the College in developing strategic partnerships and alliances with Los Angeles entertainment industry leadership and companies; advise the College on Los Angeles academic programs and initiatives, especially those that relate to the LA entertainment industries; assist the College in developing and implementing a Los Angeles media relations and communications strategy; and advise, support, and provide philanthropic leadership on behalf of a fundraising campaign. Its work will be ongoing.

Construction on the new building is expected to be completed in time to move the current Los Angeles program to the new facility beginning in the spring of 2014, in anticipation of full operations beginning Fall 2014.

A celebration of this momentous occasion will take place on the evening of the groundbreaking at the 12th Annual Emerson Film Festival. The Emerson Film Festival will be held at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills at 7:30 p.m. All LA-area Emersonians are invited to attend. More details regarding the festival will be announced soon.