Palmdale city leaders are considering a $1.9 million engineering and design contract for work to rebuild the fire-damaged Chimbole Cultural Center, a facility that has remained closed since a fire in 2022.
According to the City of Palmdale, the Chimbole Center closed after a fire in December 2022. The city is considering a $1.9 million engineering and design contract related to the rebuilding effort.
How the Fire Started
The blaze broke out on December 26, 2022, when an artificial Christmas tree ignited in the cultural center's upstairs ballroom, according to the City of Palmdale. The fire caused heavy damage to the ballroom itself, while water damage affected ceilings, walls, and floors in the roughly 22,000-square-foot center.
After the fire, the city addressed the damage and considered how to proceed. The building has remained closed to the public ever since.
Combining Repair With Expansion
Rather than pursue a straightforward repair, city officials are considering an engineering and design contract for the rebuilding work. SVA Architect, Inc. is named in city materials related to the project.
The available project materials identify the Palmdale City Library as a 13,000-square-foot facility.
A Namesake With Deep Antelope Valley Roots
The cultural center and library opened in 1977 and 1980, respectively. The center is named for Lawrence “Larry” Chimbole, and available project descriptions mention an upstairs ballroom.
Available project materials do not provide details about a statue associated with Chimbole or about cooling-center services at the cultural center and library.
Leadership Overseeing the Rebuild
The Palmdale City Council appointed Salvador “Sal” Mendez as city manager in March 2026, Hoodline previously reported. The available sources do not independently establish recruitment figures or an award associated with Mendez.
The available project materials do not provide a complete funding breakdown, a precise construction schedule, or details about interim library and cooling-center services before the facilities reopen.
