Patrons of the City Opera House will soon enter the historical building through an entrance benefiting the grand structure.
The City Opera House Restoration Project, a $9 million effort to bring the cultural birthplace of the northern Michigan region back to its original Victorian era brilliance, begins the latest phase of restoration this week. This work includes creating a new grand entrance, grand stair and Oriel window as well as a management space and centralized ticket location. Full access to the balcony through a dedicated passenger elevator and seating replacement on the main floor and balcony levels are additional projects that the Project hopes to complete in the final phase of restoration.
The property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was gifted to the City of Traverse City in 1980. Since then $5.6 million in restorations have been completed, spearheaded by the City Opera House Heritage Association. Their efforts were recognized in May, earning the 2006 Governor's Award in Historic Preservation.
"To date, architectural work completed has leveraged $957,000 in tax credit investment, allowing the project to extend its restoration and promote operations at 450 interim occupancy," said Chad Dutmers, chair of the City Opera House "Raising the Curtain" campaign during a ribbon cutting ceremony held Thursday. The campaign seeks full accessibility from Front Street, balcony occupancy and 700 seat capacity for use in spring 2007.
Heather MacIntosh, president of Preservation Action in Washington DC, a grass roots lobbying organization that promotes historical preservation, was on hand to share information on The Community Restoration and Revitalization Act that has been introduced to Congress.
"The bill, when passed, will support the revitalization of American communities, including projects like the City Opera House," MacIntosh said.