Construction lights cut across the unfinished stage at Pacific Electric, illuminating a curved proscenium arch that already feels larger than life.
Workers move between ladders while fresh paint lingers in the air, the space caught somewhere between warehouse and destination. Even without a crowd, the room carries a warmth, a feeling operations lead Stacey Levine described simply as “a warm hug” when fans eventually walk through the doors.
Set inside the historic Naud Warehouse near Chinatown’s Mission Junction, Pacific Electric is preparing to become Los Angeles’ newest 750-capacity live music venue. During a recent walkthrough, LED strips waited to be programmed beneath balcony railings, bars remained wrapped for protection. But the intention behind the room was already clear: a venue designed for connection.
“When you walk into the room, we want it to feel really good,” Levine shared while walking through the grounds. “We’ve thought about everything that makes people comfortable. The sound, the lights, the bar program. We want fans to feel taken care of.”
Named after the Pacific Electric Railway Company — the network of “Red Cars” that once connected Southern California’s communities — the venue’s identity centers on bringing people together across the region. Levine described the name as a reflection of connection, referencing the way the historic trains carried riders from across the Inland Empire and beyond into Los Angeles.
“It’s about connecting all the pieces of Southern California,” she said. “Bringing people together here to enjoy themselves.”
That idea extends into the physical design of the room. From the mezzanine, the space feels grand, but stepping onto the stage reveals a surprising intimacy, a layout that allows artists to feel close enough to reach out and touch the crowd. A permanent barricade won’t be installed unless requested by performers, a choice meant to preserve that closeness.
“For a 750-cap room, it still feels like you could give everyone a hug,” Levine said with a laugh. “That’s really the heartbeat of it! That connection between the artist and the audience.”
The venue arrives at a time when Los Angeles’ live music landscape continues to shift, with longtime spaces closing while new rooms attempt to redefine what mid-size venues can offer. Levine said Pacific Electric aims to bridge gaps not only in capacity, but in how programming is approached.
“We’re independent,” she said. “We work with all promoters and we’re not tied to one genre. Whether it’s hip-hop, rock, spoken word, comedy, we want everyone to feel like they have a place here.”
Early bookings reflect that wide scope, with artists such as Aimee Mann, Rose Gray, Voxtrot, Joseph, Alexander Stewart and Marlon Magnée of La Femme scheduled to perform, alongside comedy events tied to the Netflix Is a Joke Festival. The venue is also envisioned as a community hub, with plans for gatherings that extend beyond concerts.
“We want this to be a place people can use for weddings, book clubs or something meaningful to them,” Levine said. “It’s much more than booking known acts. It’s about creating a home for the community here.”
That philosophy is visible behind the scenes as well. Dressing rooms feature rotating artwork from local artists, hotel-quality furniture and showers designed with touring musicians in mind. A flat, step-free load-in allows equipment to move directly onto the stage, a detail Levine said is often overlooked in older buildings.
“A lot of backstage spaces are an afterthought,” she said. “Here, it was a first thought. We wanted artists to feel comfortable the moment they arrive.”
Outside, murals and warehouse textures hint at the building’s past while the surrounding Chinatown neighborhood continues to evolve into a growing cultural hub. Within walking distance of the Chinatown Metro station — and with parking options nearby — the venue is expected to attract fans traveling from across the region, including those coming from the Inland Empire.
“So many people I’ve toured through here say, ‘I live 10 minutes away I’m so excited this is opening,’” Levine said. “It really feels like we’re filling a need in the community.”
While an initial opening timeline has shifted back a few weeks as construction continues, Levine said the delay allows the team to focus on final details, from lighting installations to finishing touches across the auditorium and artist areas. Fans are encouraged to follow Pacific Electric’s website and social media channels for updates on the official opening date.
Standing in the unfinished room, it’s easy to imagine what comes next: warm light washing across brick walls, crowds gathered beneath the balcony and artists stepping into a space designed with care. If Pacific Electric succeeds in becoming what its team envisions, Levine hopes it will be remembered for one simple thing.
“Hospitality,” she said. “Taking care of our neighbors. Taking care of our home.”