Palace Theatre enters next phase of campaign
Hosting more than 300 events per year with an attendance of more than 100,000 guests, the theater also strives to be an important part of Canton’s future.
The Canton Palace Theatre announced it has raised $8.6 million toward its $16 million goal for the 100th Anniversary Capital Project. The theater is seeking additional community financial support and state and federal funding as it enters the next phase of its campaign.
The project is aimed at expanding the theater and enhancing its functionality and accessibility. The upgraded theater will allow a greater number of patrons to experience live and movie events for generations to come.
“We’re thrilled with the support this project has received and the understanding about its significance,” said Georgia Paxos, executive director of the Canton Palace Theatre. “This transformational project — for the theater and our entire downtown — will help ensure our longevity for the next 100 years. We’ll be able to continue providing local, regional and national patrons with diverse entertainment options in an expanded footprint allowing for the best customer experience.”
Key project objectives include the expansion of the stage to allow for larger live events, the addition of a second lobby to allow patrons more locations for concessions and refreshments, additional premium seating closer to the stage, additional restrooms on both floors, a permanent loading dock area for ease of show setup, and additional dressing rooms for performers.
Accessibility enhancements, which total $5.5 million and represent more than one-third of the overall budget, are an important element of the project. These include handicap-accessible seating, ADA-compliant restrooms and the addition of an elevator to make balcony seating more accessible.
Canton Palace Theatre has enlisted the expertise of Stages Consulting, a theater and acoustics design consultancy company in Highland Park, New Jersey.
Motter & Meadows Architects and Fred Olivieri Construction also are being utilized for their services.
As it enters the next phase of fundraising, the Canton Palace Theatre is exploring sources of government funding on both the state and federal levels. Also, there is another $925,000 to raise toward a local foundation challenge grant. Those interested in learning more about the 100th Anniversary Capital Project can visit www.cantonpalace100.com.
“This project will ensure the Canton Palace Theatre remains at the forefront of historic entertainment venues in Northeast Ohio and will expand our footprint, but also our economic impact on our community,” Paxos said. “We hope that members of the community will consider making a donation to be part of this historic transformation.”