who have paved the way for this progress, and we are excited to welcome more of our community to join the effort in making extraordinary theater for everyone.”

The purchase was paid for by a $15 million fundraising campaign, which has reached 75% of its goal, according to playhouse officials. The lead gift for the effort was provided by the Perenchio Foundation and matched by major arts philanthropists Terri and Jerry Kohl. The campaign’s other major donors are The Ahmanson Foundation, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, Brad and Pamela King, Harmon and Lea Kong, Leigh and Harry Olivar, Jane Kaczmarek, Bingo and Gino Roncelli, and Erin and Jeremy Baker.

The transaction was completed Friday. The Pasadena Playhouse now owns the entirety of its campus, including the original 1925 theater building and the adjoining six-story annex, known as the Fannie E. Morrison Building, which was built in 1936 to house the College of Theatre Arts.

The property also includes the intimate Carrie Hamilton Theater, which was dedicated in memory of Carol Burnett’s late daughter in 2006, and the first-floor restaurant space, most recently home to Bar Chelou. The building will turn 100 on May 18.

“For most of our history, we’ve been making extraordinary theater here while essentially renting our own home,” producing artistic director Danny Feldman said. “Today, that changes. Thanks to the generosity of our community, this building is finally back where it belongs — with the people who built it and believe in its future. Owning our historic campus unlocks endless possibilities for what Pasadena Playhouse can be in its second century.”

Feldman announced news of the building purchase Saturday night to a sold-out crowd at the Playhouse’s annual gala, which broke the $1 million mark for the first time.

The Playhouse has staged thousands of original productions since its founding in 1917, including premieres of works by Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, Suzan-Lori Parks and hundreds of other playwrights.

The Playhouse building was designed in 1924 by renowned architect Elmer Grey (1872-1964), who is known for other local landmarks such as the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Huntington Art Gallery and Wattles Mansion in Hollywood. It features the Spanish Colonial Revival style, and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.