The Memorial Opera House renovation will be undergoing an amazing transformation with the next production not until September 26th, 2024. Using $5 million in Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money for the renovations, the first phase of the project included repairing the roof, tuckpointing brickwork and fixing the weathered joints in the old masonry to shore up the exterior structure. The Opera House has already had major renovations two times (2016), and has fairly new seats (2020) and several interior remodeling updates.
Workers have completed exterior work on the opera house, and they are now starting on interior work, including overhaling the lobby, bar and seating. They will be replacing wall covers and restroom fixtures, and replacing all the seating. The seats had worn down cushions and the stained fabric. The new seats are more comfortable and will have higher backs.
Other renovations include: a total facelift of the lobby area by moving the entrance closer to the street and removing the old will call to become a new spacious lobby. Taking down an interior wall that blocks the flow and moving the two bars to make those spaces a lot more functional. A new heating and air conditioning system will be installed in the building to make it more efficient.
The Opera house has served as a venue for plays, musicals and concerts, including classical music like the Annual Memorial Day concert and tribute acts, such as American English Echoes of Pompeii, and Elton Jeff and the Honky Cats.
Originally built by contractor John D. Wilson & Sons and designed by architect Charles Lembke and, the opera house was dedicated to Porter County soldiers and sailors who died during the Civil War eventually honored all Civil War veterans, not just those killed in action. Constructed in 1893 as a Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall, it was one of 592 that were built around the country. It hosted Grand Army of the Republic meetings, political rallies, operas, concerts, plays, lectures, and social gatherings.
The Memorial Opera House renovation and the new Market 102 which has already opened in the Porter County Jail and Sheriff’s Residence should help enhance downtown.
For Tracking how the 33.3 million dollars of Porter County’s ARPA Funds have been spent, click here Tracking Porter County’s Exact Expenditures and Compliance
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
