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We are currently working on our campaign to raise capital to renovate the former Grand Theatre (also the former Cinema III) building.
Here's Where We Are
Just a few years ago, the Norfolk Community Theatre received a generous donation any vagabond theatrical group would love: a home to call our own!
 In the 1920s, the Grand Theatre was build in downtown Norfolk. It had all the state-of-the-art features for its time, as teh following excerpts from a January 10, 1921 Norfolk Daily News Article notes:
"...the entire outlay [for the theatre] represent an expense of about $100,000."
"In the summertime, the air is washed and cooled with ice."
"...the big canopy along with the frontal electrical illumination rivals theatres in cities twice the size of Norfolk."
"The seats are placed far enough apart to insure comfort."
"The floor and walls are of fireprod material and the entire interior is so constructed as to make it as near fireproof as possible."
Bits and pieces of the initial theatre architecture are still present and are a testament to its original use. The original procenium opening surrounding the stage is present, though not in the best of shape. Indentations for footlights can be found at the front of the stage flood---also part of the original building. Throughout the building are testaments of The Grand's first intent, a home for live performances.
Throughout the building are also testamants of decades of heavy use. When the building was remodeld to see filsm, unneeded spaces---backstage, fly-spaces, etc...---were hidden from the public eye and left largely uncared for. Various portions of the building will need to be brought up to current code requirements.
In spite of these obstacles, we are committed to returning live theatre to downtown Norfolk. The project is no weekend undertaking. Theatrical spaces have specific needs.
Here are some of the details for our project:
Financial Estimates:
(Estimated costs)
Exterior Facade Modifications $93,500
Roofing Replacement/Repair $160,000
Interior Structural Systems $210,000
Interior Finishes $461,000
Mechanical Systems $358,000
Electrical Systems $295,000
Seating & Theatre Equipment $195,000
Operational Endowment $500,000
Environmental Services $200,000
Architecture/Contracting Fees $191,500
Construction Fees $223,200
Total Project Budget $2,887,200
We have recently contracted with Beckenhauer Construction to renovate and reconstruct the theatre. Upon completion, the building will be christened The Grand, Home of the Norfolk Community Theatre. The new building will include:
If you are interested in helping in any capacity, feel free to contact us!
Help us create A New Stage for Norfolk and Northeast Nebraska!
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