Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Major improvements are coming to Buffalo's Theatre District, as Shea's announces the start of a $5 million renovation project at Shea's 710 Theatre.
Shea's President at CE0, Brian Higgins explains the fast-track initiative will improve accessibility, expand performance opportunities, and enhance the experience for visitors. The most dramatic change will be the creation of a new lounge and cabaret space, a new seasonal outdoor patio on Main Street.
"We are also making Shea's 710 theater more adaptable, inclusive and accessible, ensuring ADA compliant counterweight service points at our box office, co-check and concession areas, creating a new sensory friendly room, adding two new fully accessible family restrooms, and the new Multi Purpose room, allowing Shea's, for the first time in its history, to have an educational space on our campus that is handicapped accessible. Additional features of the project include fully updated restrooms, a new roof and HVAC mechanicals," Higgins stated.
Higgins explains that the project is part of a larger vision to create more exciting, dynamic, and vibrant space in Shea’s theaters.
"As a historic, iconic and anchor institution, Shea’s can be a catalyst in elevating this block as a year-round destination – a goal that benefits the neighborhood," stated Higgins.
Funds for the project are readily available, however, Higgins says Shea's is seeking out additional source to help alleviate the cost.
"We're selling naming rights, we're going to governmental agencies, to foundations. I think in the end, we'll be at about $50 million, but we'll finally address those things that for decades were just cast aside or deferred," Higgs explained.
Buffalo Construction Representative Pete Decker says his company expects the have the three-phase project completed by the end of November.
"Here's the thing about complicated projects and big challenges, the success all comes down to the team. It takes everyone, the owner, the architect, the construction manager, the contractors, everybody working together as problem solvers, fully aligned, delivering on commitments and supporting one another. And that's exactly what we've got here at the Shea's 710 Theatre project. We've got a good team," stated Decker.