New paint, floors and more are in the Imperial Theatre's future, as the lobby undergoes renovation.
Much needed updates are coming to the Imperial Theatre’s lobby, as renovations begin for the rest of the summer.
Executive Director Angela Campbell says they plan on dealing with some deficiencies the lobby has had since it opened.
“After 25 years, you need a little bit of a refresh. New coat of paint, some new flooring. The big change will be that we’re actually moving the box office from the right hand side of the lobby to directly in front of you when you walk in the doors,” she said.
She says they also hope to find more uses for the lobby during the day.
“We’ve included a performance space so that, who knows, maybe we can do some local performers at intermission, before a show starts, a lunchtime concert. We’re looking at all kinds of ways to use the lobbies in new and exciting ways,” she said.
There will also be upgrades to the washrooms, added plumbing for the concession stand, and a complete retrofit of the passenger elevator in the lobby, which is 25 years old.
Renovations on the Imperial Theatre’s lobby began today. Crews have about two and a half months to update the space before the season starts. They started today by ripping up all the carpet and taking out the concession stand! pic.twitter.com/Luu28rjamp
— Danielle McCreadie (@danimccreadie) July 2, 2019
The building itself is over 100 years old, and has undergone a number of restoration projects. Most recently were the facade upgrade and the new marquee.
“We’re an aging building so there’s always things that will need to be done, but for now we’re just really looking forward to getting them open and looking for new and exciting ways to use the theatre,” said Campbell.
The project will cost around $1 million, which is being funded by Canadian Heritage, ACOA and private donors. Campbell says it’s expected to take the rest of the summer, and hopes to have everything completed by the beginning of their next season.
Campbell says she’s not too nervous about unexpected delays.
“We always do exploratory work before any project,”she said. “Our concerns are very minimal simply because the there’s not a lot of structural change happening.”
She says the summer is the perfect time for renovations, as the season is done. They usually use the summer months for some much needed maintenance.
Although the lobby will be closed during renovations, the box office will remain open in the lower lobby.
“In order to gain access to the building you’ll need to use the entrance to the right of the building in between the Imperial and the Admiral Beatty, and then go downstairs to box office. You can always call, and you can always buy tickets online as well,” she said.
They will remain open for tours during the summer, with some minor schedule changes.
The theatre’s 26th season begins on September 22nd.
