A rendering of the future Pantages Theatre from Market Avenue. (NUMBER TEN ARCHITECTURAL GROUP)
Design plans have been released to renovate and modernize the Pantages Theatre in downtown Winnipeg.
The Performing Arts Consortium of Winnipeg Inc. and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra are behind the overhaul, with the WSO planning to rehearse and perform many of its programs in the new 1,100-seat venue. They also plan to make it available to other community groups and organizations.
A rendering of the future Pantages Theatre lobby. (NUMBER TEN ARCHITECTURAL GROUP)
“In the last year that Pantages was operating, over 75 community and professional groups used the venue 150 days or nights of the year,” said Angela Birdsell, executive director of the WSO.
“These were everything from dance school recitals and choral concerts, theatre and comedy, to soft-seat performances of folk, blues or jazz, and everything in between. It seems that almost everyone has a story about Pantages.”
A rendering of the future Pantages Theatre performance hall. (NUMBER TEN ARCHITECTURAL GROUP)
Number TEN Architectural Group is the lead designer on the renovation, with Bockstael Construction named as the lead contractor.
The estimated cost of the project is between $55 to $60 million. The PAC and WSO aim to have 50 percent of the cost covered by all three levels of government, with the remaining funds raised by the private sector.
A rendering of the future Pantages Theatre from Main Street. (NUMBER TEN ARCHITECTURAL GROUP)
“To date, we have raised close to $15 million in pledges of support, just scratching the surface with a small number of foundations and individuals,” said Curt Vossen, director of PAC and chair of the WSO.
“Once we secure $25 – $30 million in overall pledged support, including from government, we will green-light the project and launch our major capital campaign.”
