Downtown’s Hartford Stage announced today plans to break ground in June on the $4 million first-phase of renovations to the Tony-award winning theater.
The 33-year-old building at 50 Church St. will first undergo an extensive interior renovation to make its public and back-stage areas more accessible, and to expand the theater’s two lobbies. Work also will include relocating and enlarging the restrooms; updating the heating, cooling and electrical systems; and roof repairs.
Phase One construction will start June 1 and is targeted to be completed by mid-September.
Work was divided into two phases, theater officials said, because fund-raising to support the construction and other Hartford Stage initiatives has been slowed due to the recession.
The second phase will involve expanding the lower and upper lobbies to accommodate meetings and receptions; upgrade acoustics, seating and lighting; and install an elevator. Start of the second phase will be timed around the theater’s fund-raising milestones.
The theater company’s goal is to complete all the renovations in time for its 50th anniversary celebration in 2013.
“Our community, loyal audiences, and extraordinary artists deserve to work in a theatre that is accessible and provides the modern facilities needed to make their experience at Hartford Stage as uplifting and inspiring as possible,” said Artistic Director Michael Wilson.
So far, $10.5 million has been raised during its three-year capital campaign. In addition to $4 million budgeted or the first phase, $2 million has been spent on project design, planning and administration. The balance is earmarked for the theater’s endowment and cash reserves, Hartford Stage said.