On Friday morning it was “Places Everyone!” which at the Meyer Theatre ground-breaking meant, getting out of the green room and into the vacant lot (to break ground) which will soon become the front entrance for downtown Green Bay’s renovated Meyer Theatre. Officially billed as Backstage at the Meyer, the addition is actually the new grand entrance at the iconic corner of Washington and Walnut Streets in downtown Green Bay.
Gathering together at the ground-breaking were officials from Breakthrough Fuel who announced their leasing of the entire upper floor of the Backstage addition or 6,200 SF. The Breakthrough lease is a major deal as Jeff Mirkes, Executive Director of Downtown Green Bay, Inc. said “In order for this project to be done right, you need to be building out two floors at the same time. We are so thankful we have Breakthrough Fuel joining this project.” Doug Mueller, President of Breakthrough Fuel, expressed his delight at the announcement and said the space is a “terrific fit”. “We have a creative and passionate workforce and it really fits being next to a venue like a performing arts center!”
Lisa Reynolds from Smet Construction Services has coordinated the design and said the design process has been amazing. We’ve been working with Breakthrough Fuel and Meyer board members to help the tenant’s plans fit into the overall design of the renovation. The plans call for an urban loft working environment and an impressive rooftop gathering space. “This corner is very important to downtown and we want to do the right thing”, Lisa said. “The theatre is a pillar in the community and the renovation will last a long time, so we want to get it right.”
The $4 million project coordinated by Smet Construction Services will transform the 85 year old theatre and bring forth updated facilities that will serve the community well into the next 85 years. The renovation includes a commercial kitchen for catering, a smaller stage venue for community performances by area music and dance groups, a grand entrance at the iconic corner of Walnut and Washington Streets, and now with today’s news, loft-style offices with rooftop amenities.
Reynolds excitement summarized it best. “Today is a big day for us. We’ve been working on this project for over two years and now all the bids are in. We can finally get this project going!”
The project is expected to be completed shortly after February 14, 2015, the Meyer’s 85th Anniversary, when we hope to hear the praises of Bravo! Bravo!
For more information:
Greg Polacheck, Director of Market Research
[email protected]
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