Duluth’s NorShor Theatre Is Ready For Its Makeover

posted by ThrHistoricalSociety on March 22, 2016 at 7:18 am

The long-awaited renovation likely to begin soon on centerpiece of Duluth’s arts district. Duluth has wondered when, or if, the NorShor Theatre, which has served as a vaudeville house, movie theater and strip club, would ever undergo a planned renovation to transform it into a performing arts center.

The ambitious project dates back to 2010, when the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) paid $2.3 million to acquire the property. “It was a strip club and it was run down,” says David Montgomery, chief administrative officer for the city of Duluth. “It was really a blight” in downtown Duluth, he says.

Finally, though, a $29.6 million financing package is in place to cover the extensive improvements. Montgomery anticipates that DEDA and the City Council will approve final plans in March. Developer Sherman Associates, based in Minneapolis, says construction would then begin in April.

Montgomery says the three-tiered theater reminds him of the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. When construction is completed, the Duluth Playhouse, a community theater, will be the main tenant. Orchestra, dance and popular music acts also will use the theater, which will seat 625 to 675.

Read more in the Twin Cities Business article by Liz Fedor. http://tcbmag.com/Industries/Real-Estate/The-NorShor-Theatre-Is-Ready-For-Its-Makeover

Images courtesy of Granola and David Zorning via Cinema Treasures

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ABOUT THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded by Ben Hall in 1969, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) celebrates, documents and promotes the architectural, cultural and social relevance of America’s historic theatres. Through its preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, its signature publication Marquee™ and Conclave Theatre Tour, THS increases awareness, appreciation and scholarly study of America’s theatres.

Learn more about historic theatres in the THS American Theatre Architecture Archives and on our website at historictheatres.org