B.H. hall backers near funds goal

Backers of a 500-seat performance hall in Beverly Hills say they’ve raised $41 million toward a $51-million goal. Plans are under city review and construction isn’t expected to begin until 2008, with a projected opening in 2010.

“We’re in good shape” on the money front, said Katy Sweet, a spokeswoman for the Wallis Annenberg Center.

Key gifts in an effort that began in 1994 have been $15 million in 2004 from the Annenberg Foundation, honoring publishing heiress Wallis Annenberg, and a $5-million donation last year from banker Bram Goldsmith and his artist wife, Elaine Goldsmith, Beverly Hills residents since 1951.

Plans call for the Goldsmith Theatre to occupy a new building by architect Zoltan Pali; next door is the 1933-vintage Beverly Hills Post Office building, which Pali is renovating to house offices, classrooms and a 150-seat studio theater.

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Mike Boehm