MSHPA and California State Parks are working together to restore California's First Theatre as a resource to the community that will enable performances, education, interpretation, and special events to meet our shared vision to preserve and sustain Monterey’s distinctive history.

 

In 2019, MSHPA received $194,360 through the Save America's Treasures grant program, funded by the Historic Preservation Fund, and administered by the National Park Service, Department of Interior. MSHPA has also received grants for the First Theatre restoration from the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation. MSHPA has matched over $200,000 in funds towards the restoration. Resources received from these grants will go towards installing a French drainage system, fire suppression repairs, and ADA upgrades to the building. 

​

The total estimated for restoration is $2,000,000.