RBTL OFFICIALLY ACQUIRES AUDITORIUM CENTER
SERIES OF COMMUNITY AND MEDIA TOURS TO BE ANNOUNCED
Rochester, NY – The Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL) is happy to announce it has officially acquired the entirety of the Auditorium Center. With this, RBTL now operates the full complex, located at the corner of East Main Street and Prince Street in Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts. RBTL will host a series of tours for the community and media to view the inside of the building before revitalization efforts begin. Dates for these tours will be announced at a later time.
The acquisition allows for much needed improvements to community accessibility, adaptability and amenities. While both beautiful and historic, the complex as it sits, provides for many challenges. RBTLis partnering with Pike Construction Services, LaBella Associates, LeChase Construction and other community advisors to augment the existing Auditorium Center spaces in the most optimal way. Restoration and renovation priorities will focus on enhancing the theatre-going experience for both patrons and performers.
The Auditorium building, which is currently comprised of RBTL’s Auditorium Theatre and The Auditorium Center, was originally the Masonic Temple of Rochester, serving Masons across the Northeast. RBTL has owned the Auditorium Theatre portion of the building since 2004.I n addition to the main Theatre space, among other spaces, the complex also contains four former ceremonial meeting rooms. Under this new ownership, these rooms will be renovated and made available to community entities and will allow for the expansion of RBTL’s nationally-recognized and award-winning education programs.
Phase one of the renovation will focus on enhanced access and amenities and is anticipated to begin later this year. Renovations will be funded in part by capital campaigns, sponsorships, operating surplus, state and local grants and foundations and other aid. With improvements and forward thinking, the complex, including its nearly 2,500 seat venue, will be viable for generations to come. RBTL’s goal is to complete renovations by 2030, the building’s 100th anniversary.
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