Capitol Theater to Receive $ 2.3 Million in Upgrades

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A $ 2.3 million belated birthday gift to the Capitol Theater means the historic downtown venue will receive the necessary upgrades in time for the official centennial celebration delayed by the pandemic.

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The City of Windsor is investing $ 1.8 million and the federal government is contributing $ 500,000 to improve the heritage site designated in honor of its 100th anniversary, which was actually last year.

“With this grant, we are making sure the theater performs better, preserving heritage, and making sure the Capitol is ready for a new century, meeting the needs of performance artists, musicians, and arts groups for years to come.” said Sheila Wisdom, executive director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra that runs the theater.

Symphony representatives Mayor Drew Dilkens and MP Irek Kusmierczyk (L – Windsor-Tecumseh) announced the funding Tuesday.

The money will be spent to replace 10 older HVAC units, add 2,000 square feet of new event space, replace 7,300 square feet of ornate carpeting, upgrade video and lighting equipment, and enhance the scenery. The work will also include the installation of a digital wall highlighting the history of the theater.

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The goal is to have it all finished by December 2022, with a community celebration to follow.

Federal funding comes from the Building Communities through the Arts and Heritage Program, which supports eligible projects up to a maximum of $ 500,000.

You need some TLC, and we’re going to give you the TLC.

Kusmierczyk said the funding is part of the government’s commitment to supporting the arts and tourism sectors during the economic recovery from COVID-19 and attracting people to places like the Capitol.

“The Capitol Theater is where we meet as a community,” he said. “Whether it’s the magic of WIFF (Windsor International Film Festival), the magic of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra or the heartbreaking laughter of the comedy festival, the Capitol Theater is indispensable to who we are as a community here in Windsor-Essex. “

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The city and symphony submitted the grant application as part of the Capitol Theater 100th Anniversary Legacy Project.

“It’s important because the Capitol Theater is 100 years old,” Dilkens said. “He needs some TLC, and we’re going to give him TLC.”

He said local participation in the current project is in addition to the roughly $ 2 million the city has spent since 2012 on Capitol improvements, including replacing the theater’s notoriously uncomfortable seats.

“We did it and we do it because we love this building, we love the facilities, and we love the spirit and energy that art and culture bring to our community, but also to our downtown,” Dilkens said.

The Capitol, now owned by the city and run by the symphony, opened on December 30, 1920.

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Long-planned centennial celebrations were delayed by COVID-19. The funding application process announced Tuesday began more than two years ago.

“Today, we look to the future,” said WSO Board Chair Jennifer McKim. “With these improvements and with this investment, we can look to the future and have the confidence that the Capitol Theater can be a beacon within and outside of our community, and will allow the Windsor Symphony Orchestra together with other arts, entertainment organizations and cultural growth and prosperity. And we hope that our children can celebrate another centenary ”.

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