After multiple delays, the board in charge of the revitalization of the old Penmar theatre is aiming to have the new arts centre fully operational by the fall.
The renovations were set to be complete this past fall, but complications in construction have held up the timeline on the opening of what will be called the Valley First Community Arts Centre.
“We found vermiculite in some of the walls and asbestos and those kinds of things. So the hazmat stuff set us back for sure,” Kerri Milton, president of the Penmar Community Arts Society, said.
The first phase of the project, which includes two cinemas and a lobby, is now set to be open in the late spring, while the larger auditorium with the main stage is set to open its doors in the fall.
“We’re just going to keep rolling forward,” Milton said, adding she and the board are still optimistic despite the setbacks.
“You’re always surprised. Things are going to happen with construction, especially renovating such an old building. The building is from 1956, so we’re finding and discovering different kinds of things as we work our way through it,” Milton said.
As construction moves forward, fundraising efforts are still vital to the restoration said Milton, including the dedication of theatre seats for $100 each.
“They were great little Christmas gifts.We even gave people little miniature chairs to hang on their Christmas tree,” Milton said.
There are seats still available and the $100 can get your name, or the name of a business, organization or loved one inscribed on a plaque on a seat that will remain a permanent part of the theatre.
The next major fundraising event for the centre is the Oscars Party on Feb. 22 at the Poplar Grove Winery.
The party will feature a special Oscars cocktail provided by Poplar Grove, along with some wine and appetizers as guests take in the 87th Academy Awards.
Opening day is drawing closer as the physical pieces fall into place according to Milton.
“Some of the bigger stuff has been ordered. Like the bigger glass on the front (of the building), so we’re waiting on that kind of thing. We should have a better idea of where we’re at by the end of the month once we know when all that big stuff is due to come in,” Milton said.
She hopes the centre will become the premier performing arts and movie theatre and cultural area for the region.
Milton has already received a large amount of interest from acts looking to book the stage for future events.
“We have had a lot of people already requesting. We don’t have firm dates yet while we’re waiting for the construction part to get through. As soon as we have a firm opening date, we’re going to have a whole bunch of people waiting to be booked in,” Milton said.