HdG Opera House Project Funding Picks Up Steam

Havre de Grace, MD — The Havre de Grace Opera House restoration project has received a boost recently from several sources announcing sizable donations.

In the past week, Gov. Larry Hogan and the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority reported that $80,000 in funding had been secured toward the opera house project.

Stack & Store Self-Storage owners Louis and Phyllis Friedman also contributed $100,000 toward the endeavor, The Aegis reported.

The citizens of Havre de Grace also approved a ballot measure to provide city funding for the opera house to ensure the renovation is complete by 2018.

Altogether, the project will cost approximately $3 million.

Since 1871, the opera house has served as everything from a theater to City Hall headquarters to a public school. Currently, the historic building is underutilized and poses safety hazards, according to the city.

The renovation project involves upgrading utilities as well as sound and lighting infrastructure; increasing the capacity of the theater; renovating the rehearsal space and dressing rooms; adding a first-floor box office and mixed-use space for the arts and business communities; and making the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to state documents.

The theater currently has 120 seats and after restoration, it will have 200 seats, enabling more people to attend performances and provide a place for businesses to hold forums and other gatherings.

Donate and see renderings of the building on the Havre de Grace Opera House Foundation's website.

Related:

• HdG Opera House Project Awarded $250K State Grant
  
• Havre de Grace Opera House Foundation Passes $1 Million Mark
• State, City, County Officials Fill In Opera House Fundraising Thermometer