And to go with that this.....
Bringing back the Tivoli
$15M restoration campaign
August 27, 2009
Nicole MacIntyre
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/625701
In a few weeks, the Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble will launch a $15-million capital campaign to restore the historic theatre, which has sat empty since its partial collapse five years ago.
Belma Gurdil-Diamante, the group’s CEO, is waiting until the launch to reveal how much money has been committed to date, but says she’s confident the project will go ahead.
In the past few weeks, crews have been inside the James Street North theatre, removing mould and asbestos and installing a new electrical panel. The stabilization work, which cost $300,000, is to be funded one-quarter by the city.
Next week a parkette will be built in front of the theatre where part of the building was demolished after the initial collapse.
Once the park is complete, hoarding along the street will be removed to allow passersby to see the property.
Originally built as a carriage factory in the 1870s, the Tivoli was converted to a theatre in 1924.
The ballet company bought the theatre for $1 in 2006 from the Sniderman family of Sam the Record Man fame. Since then, engineers and architects have combed the building, judging its condition and making plans for the future.
As capital donations come in, the ballet company plans to start construction, hopefully in January. Pace Credit Union has agreed to match donations with financing.
In addition to restoring the heritage elements, the ballet company plans to build a new lobby and a backstage in the basement.
The pace of fundraising and the architect’s plan will decide the timeline, but Gurdil-Diamante hopes to be done in two years. Once complete, the theatre would be a multi-use performing venue used by a range of arts groups, she said.
“We want to make sure this place belongs to the community.”