Councilmember, Principal and Community Thank Disney

John Burroughs Middle School Principal Steve Martinez and members from Councilmember Tom LaBonge’s staff unveiled the final product of collaboration between Disney and the school’s neighbors. A brand new brick façade of the auditorium steps, matching the original brickwork of the building, has been installed.
The Councilmember, who could not attend due to pressing issues at City Hall, applauded Disney for their efforts. “There was a need expressed by the community and Disney worked with the people to address it,” LaBonge said. “Disney has brought magic to John Burroughs Middle School.”
“What’s most impressive is Disney’s appreciation for the historical structure of the building and their willingness to work in collaboration with the community,” Martinez said. “The people at Disney demonstrated to us all how working together can make great things happen.”
Since its opening in 1922, the brick façade has been a key feature of the building’s remarkable Northern Italian Renaissance Revival styling. The frontage of the steps leading to the auditorium, however, was made of concrete which was out of character for the historic building. Prior to kicking off production of new film ‘Prom’ at the site, Walt Disney Studios offered their assistance to rejuvenate the building’s aesthetics.
“John Burroughs Middle School was the first location that we locked in for the movie due to its unique beauty both inside and out,” says ‘Prom’ director Joe Nussbaum. “The brick exterior will be a memorable look for the front of our high school.”
Adds producer Justin Springer, "We were more than happy to use our resources to restore the brick in front of the auditorium. It resulted in a beautiful look for our film and it was really nice to help out the community while we were at it.”
Disney proposed to build a veneer for the steps, matching each brick to the unique façade. Neighbors rallied around the idea and provided guiding designs. The resulting veneer was installed by a masonry expert hired by Disney.
John Burroughs Middle School serves the Hancock Park area. Though not officially named an historic landmark, the building is one of the few campuses built in the 1920s that remains in the Los Angeles Unified School District.