BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)......Going back to the 1990s when the late Patrick Fagin - and, later, Tony Conte dreamed of seeing Shea's expand its lobby and add more amenities.
Now, fast forward and a $34.5 million expansion will see Fagin and Conte's dream come true.
The project will mark a major bricks-and-mortar milestone Monday afternoon when officials gather by the theater's Pearl Street side to watch foundations and walls begin to emerge that will help anchor the three-story expansion.
"The walls are rising and we are reaching the vertical stage," said Brian Higgins, Shea's president and CEO.
When Higgins assumed his Shea;s role three years ago, one of the top items on his "to do" list was finalizing Shea's expansion plans and securing the necessary funds.
To date, $28 million has been raised and Shea's, today, will introduce the "I Built Shea's" fundraising campaign that will target local business and residents.
The expansion, which about 15% complete, is due to be patron-ready by November 2027, Higgins said.
"It is on time and on budget," Higgins.said.
Plans include a three-story glass atrium, more bathrooms and a main lobby that will increase by 120%, Higgins said.
The entire expansion will top out at 25,000-square-feet and was designed by the Buffalo architect and engineering firm, Carmina Wood.
"We are honoring the past but also getting Shea's ready for the future," Higgins said :"This is a patron-driven project."
Shea's is one of downtown Buffalo's main anchors and is the engine that drives the Theatre District.
Last year, between Shea's, Shea's Smith Theatre and Shea's 710 Theatre, more than 367,000 people attended a performance at one of the venues.
The economic impact exceeded $100 million.
"When Shea's is alive, everyone is alive," Higgins said.
Shea's $34.5 million project crosses a major construction milestone
Shea's $34.5 million project crosses a major construction milestone
