This $5.3 million dollar project has been the subject of planning and investment since 2007 when the Master Planning and Living Landmark processes began. The project will be funded by a unique combination of public & private investments coming from the Tax Increment District, Grants, Corporate Sponsorships, Individual Donors, and the State of Wisconsin Trust Fund. With 73% of the project expenses currently committed, the Centennial Committee leads the charge to raise the $2 million dollars needed and re-open the Civic Auditorium to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of first opening this cultural gem on the St. Croix River.
Donations to the SCF Civic Auditorium are fully tax-deductible pursuant to IRS Code 26 Sec 170(c)(1) for the
public purpose of the rehabilitation and expansion of this civic gathering place.
Specific capital improvement goals include:
Donations to the SCF Civic Auditorium are fully tax-deductible pursuant to IRS Code 26 Sec 170(c)(1) for the
public purpose of the rehabilitation and expansion of this civic gathering place.
Specific capital improvement goals include:
- adding functional upgrades such as a loading dock, dressing rooms, and restrooms that are prerequisite to increasing programming, attendance and overall use;
- addressing HVAC needs that prevent the historic building from performing efficiently (remove/replace obsolete boiler; incorporate integrated systems);
- making the building as energy efficient and sustainable as possible through modern technologies such as LED lighting and building shell improvements;
- making the Civic Auditorium accessible for audience members, artists, and employees (elevator, assisted listening system, restrooms, concessions, etc);
- solving challenges related to public restrooms, artist dressing rooms, administrative and storage spaces;
- removing, responsibly disposing of, and replacing all obsolete equipment currently in use for technical support of the performing arts (fly tower mechanics, lighting grid & equipment, sound system, scenic carpentry and painting areas);
- upgrading or replacing all furniture and fixtures in the performance hall, attending to all finishes of the ceiling, walls, windows, and floors in a way that celebrates the era of original construction;
- attending to opportunities for outdoor gathering spaces that celebrate and capitalize on the view of the St. Croix River and bluffline views, creating a “cultural campus” with Overlook Park on the north end of the Historic downtown.
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Nearly a Century of Service
The upper level performance hall served as a movie house until 1985, stood empty for just a few short years, and then in 1990 became the home of Festival Theatre, a professional theatre company. The street level space was a community center for many years, and in the 1940's hosted a series of small sewing factories, later becoming City office space and finally the municipal library from 1970 through 2009.
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The renovation and expansion of the Historic Auditorium will be paid for as follows:
$ 3,200,000 Municipal Funds (TID) $ 500,000 Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (See WEDC Award) $ 600,000 Foundations & Institutions $ 250,000 Corporate Marketing / Business Gifts $ 750,000 Individual Donors 73% of funding is in place for the project! |