The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is planning to celebrate the completion of its $9.9 million building rehab with a Sept. 20 opening performance. Renovation started one year ago on the 30 N. Division Ave. property, originally built in 1904 as the Majestic Theatre, and will wrap-up in early September.
The Civic Theatre moved into the 70,000-square-foot complex in 1979. Inside, it now features a 767-seat auditorium, master stage, three rehearsal halls, dressing rooms, offices, classrooms, costume shops and a new dance studio. The original lobby has been reopened next to the existing lobby, more than doubling space. Seating, restrooms, staircases and the elevator have been refurbished along with the complete remodeling of the balcony to reduce its steep pitch. Business offices, costume shops and the sound and lighting booth have been added and moved about to maximize building efficiency.
Outside construction includes a new two-story glass atrium at the Library Street entrance. The original Division Avenue entrance and the tower at Library Street and Division Avenue have also been restored. Adding the finishing touches are street-level renovations and painting along the theatre’s adjacent structures on Division Avenue.
Financial support for the renovation project came from Fred and Lena Meijer and Grand Action, the downtown revitalization nonprofit behind the planning of Van Andel Arena.
Dubbed “Grand Performance … A Majestic Moment,” the opening performance will feature music from the theatre’s season opener, “A Chorus Line.” Composer, Marvin Hamlisch, will be on hand. Tickets are $100 and $250.
Source: Jon Nunn, Grand Action
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