THUNDER BAY — A multi-year plan to repair and retrofit Magnus Theatre will see the building on Algoma Street take on a freshened look by the end of summer.
A construction crew has started work on recladding the flytower portion of the theatre, which was built in 2001.
Large pieces of stucco have fallen from the exterior wall in recent years.
Magnus general manager Peter Boyle says that in addition to improving the theatre aesthetically, the work will make the building more energy-efficient.
Boyle said the reduced heating costs will help Magnus direct more of its revenue toward programming.
Magnus received a $177,000 federal grant for the project, and is also contributing some of its own internal funds.
Ultimately, the entire theatre exterior will be insulated as part of a four-stage improvement initiative leading up to the 50th anniversary in 2022.
Other planned work includes upgraded mechanical systems which Boyle said will also contribute to lower energy costs.
Magnus’s board of directors intends to turn its attention, as well, to the heritage portion of the structure, the former Central School.
“It was built in 1884, and it needs work, primarily on the building envelope” and repairs to mortar joints between the bricks, Boyle said.
Fundraising for all these elements will launch later this summer under the title The Next Stage.
Boyle said board members and volunteers are organizing the campaign, with a formal announcement planned for September.
“Eventually, we’d like to raise a million dollars over the next four years,” he said.
According to Boyle, the theatre’s program “has really been growing in the past year,” both on the main stage and within the education program.
Boyle, who's held the general manager's post for only about five months, said more than anything, Magnus would like to reduce the building’s operating costs so more funds can be allocated to artistic endeavours.
