Beverly Hills center enriched

The Annenberg Foundation has given the Beverly Hills Cultural Center Foundation a $15-million grant for the preservation of the historic Beverly Hills post office and a new cultural center.

The landmark building, which is adjacent to the Beverly Hills City Hall, will be transformed into a performing arts and cultural facility. Plans for the Wallis Annenberg Cultural Center of Beverly Hills include a 500-seat jewel box theater, a 150-seat studio theater and rehearsal hall, classrooms, cafe, gift shop and culture garden.

The $30-million project is scheduled to begin construction in early 2006 with completion by the end of 2007. The architectural firm of Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates is leading the design of the cultural center.

-- Susan King