Facility Rentals

Designed by Birge Clark and built in 1934, this attractive Spanish Mediterranean-style complex is home to the City of Palo Alto's Recreation Department as well as a Community Theatre and Children's Theatre. Rooms are available for rental to accommodate many types of events including meetings, weddings, receptions and parties.

Applications for the Lucie Stern Community Center are available online, or can be picked up at any City of Palo Alto Community Center during regular business hours, 8:30am to 5:30pm.  Rooms may be reserved up to 12 months in advance of your event.

Availability of dates can be provided online, by phone or in person, but no date will be held until an application is submitted.  Search facility availability.  All facility rentals require proof of general liability insurance naming the City of Palo Alto as an additional insured for a minimum of $1 million; this may be purchased through the City also. For more information, please contact the facility coordinator at 650-463-4900.

Stern Ballroom  

This large space features hardwood floors, a wood-beamed cathedral ceiling, two tiled fireplaces and six art deco chandeliers in the California Colonial style architecture.  This room measures 70 by 40 feet and can accommodate 300 guests theatre-style or 200 for dining.

Community Room 

The Community Room measures 45 by 25 feet and features wall-to-wall carpeting, as well as windows and two French doors that open onto the Patio. This bright room can accommodate 125 guests theatre-style or 75 for dining and provides a comfortable setting for smaller events or meetings.

Fireside Room

The Fireside Room also features French doors that open onto the Patio, wall-to-wall carpeting as well as a lovely working fireplace. This room measures 25 by 26 feet and can accommodate 70 guests theatre-style or 45 for dining and is frequently used for small parties and meetings.

Outdoor Patio

The enclosed Patio area is accessible through both the Community and Fireside Rooms.  With a large lawn area, the Patio makes an ideal setting for spring and summer events. It measures 70 by 90 feet and can accommodate 250 guests theatre-style or 150 for dining.

Kitchen

Conveniently located between the Community and Fireside Rooms, and adjacent to the Patio, the fully equipped kitchen will easily meet the requirements of your caterer.