rspitza@miningjournal.net
Carrier Construction and Services employee Todd Snyder works to remove a theater seat from the Vista Theater balcony on Dec. 2. The Negaunee based-company was contracted to shore up the interior walls of the theater’s auditorium following a roof collapse in August. (Journal file photo)
NEGAUNEE Progress continues to be made on the Historic Vista Theater in downtown Negaunee after its roof collapsed last August.
The Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the theater, said “winterizing” of the building is complete.
“We had promised right after the roof collapsed that we would be getting the debris out of the building and then shoring up the walls for protection from the wind and have temporary walls put up to protect the stage area and the balcony and lobby,” said PAAC board president Rusty Bowers. “Those are all in place.”
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NEGAUNEE The restoration of the Vista Theater in Negaunee remains on schedule.
The Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council (PAAC) announced that the roof debris in the main part of the theater has been cleaned out. The next step for the Vista is to shore up the walls of the auditorium, which will be completed by local construction company Carrier Construction and Service, LLC.
While there is still work to be done, the support from the community so far has been overwhelming.
“We really appreciate everybody’s support,” said Rusty Bowers, Advisory Board President for the PAAC. “The community, I feel, really wants this building back. It’s so dear to them, and it’s a part of their history, and I just think they want more time with it. So we want to thank everyone who has helped out, and we thank you in advance for all the help you’re going to be giving in the future, for the roof, the heating, the electrical, and all the things we need to do to put this back.”
rspitza@miningjournal.net
Tyler Garrow moves debris in preparation to enclose the Vista Theater balcony on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of the Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council)
NEGAUNEE Efforts to save the Historic Vista Theater are continuing as the Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council works toward winterizing the building before Christmas.
PAAC announced on Thursday that the organization has been working with Carrier Construction and Services of Negaunee. The company will shore up the walls of the auditorium and construct enclosures to protect from the elements portions of the building that were unaffected by the roof collapse.
Equipment to secure the walls will be rented at a discounted rate from Gundlach Champion, officials said.