Sep 10, 2021

Opera House Board moves forward with expansion project

Posted Sep 10, 2021 6:59 PM

At their July 8th meeting, the C.L. Hoover Opera House Board of Directors received the feasibility study of adding the property at 131 West 7th to the Opera House Complex. The study was prepared and submitted by architect Bruce McMillan. They have announced that the Board voted unanimously to move forward with the project

This proposed expansion offers many benefits to patrons and the community. The additional space will allow for the expansion in the Opera House after-school educational program. Two new rehearsal areas would be created. The additional space will be used to make the Opera House Fine Arts Academy a reality.

Street front offices for the Junction City Little Theater and the Junction City Arts Council are included as a part of this project. A dedicated studio space would be created for art classes. The addition of this property would also allow the reconfiguring of existing Opera House spaces, creating dressing rooms much closer to the stage, a larger catering kitchen and a “green room” for performers waiting to go on stage.

At their September 9th meeting the Opera House Board voted to purchase the building at 131 W. 7th from Sheila Burdette and have signed a contract to that effect. The feasibility study estimates the cost of renovation at about 1.75 million dollars. While this will be done in cooperation with the City of Junction City, the Opera House Board is not seeking tax dollars for the project.

 Anyone who has questions or needs information to support this project should contact Director Joe Markley at the C. L. Hoover Opera House at 785.238.3906.