|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Rochester Broadway Theatre League has received more than $2.9 million from the New York State Council on the Arts for its Project Restouration.
NYSCA gave a total of $86 million to 134 capital projects statewide.
RBTL has been working to reinvigorate the West Herr Performing Arts Center, including the West Herr Auditorium Theatre. The $65 million endeavor, launched last November, aims to transform the center into a multistage, restored 1920s-era complex, officials say.
RBTL’s goal is to offer a renowned entertainment venue for the Rochester region. Once a Masonic temple for the Northeast, WHPAC’s design and architecture has served as a landmark for the area. The complex is owned and operated by RBTL.
The first phase of Project Restouration, now underway, is focused on enhanced accessibility, adaptability and amenities. Work on the new rear entrance is almost complete, RBTL says, and will allow for easier access to the Performing Arts Center and Auditorium Theatre. Two elevators have been refurbished, providing access to the second-floor theatre lobby and an additional second-floor theatre lounge/concession space with new restrooms.
The NYSCA grant will fund the restoration of the Main Street façade. Preliminary plans for new backstage artist spaces are being worked on. Expanded theatre lobbies, additional entry points, new concession areas and additional restroom facilities are part of future phases. The plan also includes the restoration of several historic spaces within the building, which will be repurposed to accommodate a variety of performance opportunities, officials say.
“These transformative projects improve communities, drive tourism and foster innovation in the field,” says Erika Mallin, NYSCA executive director.
Project Restouration is expected to be completed by 2030, marking the building’s centennial.
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor.
The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. See “Leave a Reply” below to discuss on this post. Comments of a general nature may be submitted to the Letters page by emailing [email protected].