Havre de Grace Opera House Project Waiting on BGE

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — After the Havre de Grace Opera House renovation project recently received an infusion of public and private funding, the initiative now has a new hurdle.

According to the Havre de Grace Opera House Foundation, which has been raising money for the $3 million project to update the historic building, the latest challenge is BGE.

"...it turns out we need to have a high-pressure gas line moved before we can proceed," the foundation reported on Wednesday.

The city of Havre de Grace has reportedly asked the utility company to move the line, but to no avail, according to the opera house foundation, which stated: "Unfortunately, construction is stalled until that happens, because if the gas line is hit accidentally, it could make a big BOOM."

Related: HdG Opera House Project Funding Picks Up Steam

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

Renovation plans call for upgrading utilities plus sound and lighting; increasing the theater from 120 to 200 seats; renovating the rehearsal space and dressing rooms; adding a first-floor box office and mixed-use space; and bringing the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

When complete, the renovations should enable more people to attend performances and hold gatherings.

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

Pictured, the opera house on June 22, 2016. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Janney.