Landlord seeks dominion over Magic Castle, uncertain future looms for magicians' guild.
The Magic Castle, an iconic destination for mystery, deception, and drama, finds itself at a crossroads. Owner Randy Pitchford, a long-time member of the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA), has presented a reorganization plan to the AMA, offering them a choice between accepting his plan and giving him control over the castle's operations or finding a new clubhouse by the end of 2028.
Pitchford, who learned magic at the Magic Castle and has been a member for over 30 years, purchased the mansion from the Glover family in April 2022. Since then, he and his wife have created companies called Magic Castle Enterprises (MCE) and Magic Castle Entertainment to manage the new holdings.
Under the proposed plan, MCE would take over the Magic Castle's commercial operations. This includes a commitment to invest $10 million in capital improvements and maintenance, as well as relieving the AMA of remaining lease and trademark-related financial obligations. However, the details of these obligations are not specified.
The proposal, which was put to a vote in December 2024, saw more than 90% of ballots favouring the deal. Yet, opponents argue that a minority of members cast votes. The AMA, a nonprofit club that operates the Magic Castle, has until Sept. 29 to decide on the proposal.
If the membership rejects the changes, the academy would need to find a new clubhouse by January 2029. In response, MCE has threatened to create a new club with enticing features that might lead to the academy's demise. This threat was made in July 2024.
The Magic Castle announced that the MCE and AMA board of directors had signed a resolution implementation agreement in March 2025. This agreement, however, has caused division among AMA members, with some believing Pitchford is using an ultimatum to take control of the castle.
The Magic Castle, a 1909 Edwardian-style mansion, opened in 1963 as a clubhouse and performance venue for the Academy of Magical Arts. For decades, the academy has been a tenant in the building, leasing from private owners. The mansion reopened in 2021 amid a leadership overhaul.
Notably, Erika Larsen, daughter of castle pioneers Bill and Irene Larsen, is president of Magic Castle Enterprises, and Jessica Hopkins, granddaughter of Bill and Irene Larsen, is the chief operating officer. Pitchford also bought intellectual property rights to the Magic Castle name from Milt Larsen.
The Magic Castle ran into trouble in 2020 due to the pandemic and allegations of sexual harassment, groping, and racism. AMA leaders are negotiating with MCE to keep the group in place, but the AMA's lease on the Magic Castle building is not being renewed, causing anxiety among members.
The Magic Castle Club, a new entity separate from the AMA, is being created. The future of the Magic Castle, a beloved institution for magicians and mystery lovers alike, hangs in the balance as the AMA considers Pitchford's proposal.
