Wareham Hall

Goal: $50,000.00

Specific Need

Since 1880, a structure has stood at 410 Poyntz for the purpose of bringing the community together for the arts and entertainment. Now under nonprofit ownership, the historic Wareham Opera House, now called "Wareham Hall," is amidst a $35M capital campaign to completely transform the space into a state-of-the-art performance venue. Dollars raised from Grow Green Match Day will be used to advance this historic campaign and transformation.

Mission

Wareham Hall sets the stage for community connection, inspiration, and growth through the arts.

Profile

Wareham Hall, a jewel in downtown Manhattan, Kansas, stands on the brink of an extraordinary transformation. This historic venue, with its roots stretching back to 1880, is set to become a vibrant cultural hub, marrying the elegance of its heritage with the boldness of modern innovation. The vision for Wareham Hall encompasses a grand renovation to create a 33,000-square-foot cultural nexus. This includes a state-of-the-art 525-seat auditorium that can also accommodate more than 750 patrons in a standing configuration, aiming to inject new life into the local arts scene and stimulate economic growth across the region.

The renovation of Wareham Hall is a comprehensive endeavor with a total construction cost projected at $27.5 million. This ambitious project will equip the venue with cutting-edge technology infrastructure, including advanced IT, security, and access control systems, as well as performance equipment that features state-of-the-art sound amplification, cinema-quality projection systems, and fully motorized theatrical rigging. Additionally, enhancements in lighting and acoustics will ensure that Wareham Hall can host a wide variety of artistic performances, setting a new standard for arts venues.

The project has already made significant strides in funding, securing $12.5+ million through local contributions and an additional $5+ million via State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits. These achievements underscore the community's strong support and the project's significance. As we approach a 2024 construction start, continued philanthropic engagement is crucial to realize a 2027 opening.

The renovation of Wareham Hall is more than just a project; it is an investment in the cultural future of our city. It represents a deep commitment to the arts, historical preservation, and educational enrichment. This initiative is poised to be a cornerstone of growth and revitalization for the region, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come.

Join us in bringing this vision to life and in shaping a vibrant, culturally rich future for Manhattan!

Venue Highlights:

Constructed in 1880
When complete - 33,000 square feet 525-seat venue / 700 person standing-room venue
Diverse mix of national/regional touring performances, local performances, university use, civic and educational use
Fully-rigged professional theater capabilities with state-of-the-art systems unlike any in the state
$27.5M total project over three phases
10 FT employees / 20+ PT employees
$4.5M regional economic impact
Complement to the Museum of Art and Light creating a true “arts district” that is a Statewide destination

Project Impact

Regional Arts Capacity Building: By collaborating with the Manhattan Arts Center, USD 383, local dance studios, regional theaters, presenting organizations, Kansas State University, and others, Wareham Hall will serve as a critical infrastructure asset. It will not only elevate our organization's offerings but will also amplify the capacities of our partners, creating a symbiotic relationship that bolsters the entire region's arts and cultural scene. As the most advanced venue of its kind in the region, it will provide a state-of-the-art platform for a diverse range of artistic expressions and cultural experiences, reinforcing our shared mission to enhance and expand the regional arts infrastructure.
Economic Catalyst: Once complete, Wareham Hall is forecasted to generate over $4.5 million in annual regional economic impact, with patrons contributing an average of $29 per visit to the local economy in addition to their spending at the venue.
Cultural Enrichment: With the objective to host 50-75 touring shows and 50 university events annually, the venue will become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape.
Educational and Workforce Development: The project will offer educational programs for youth and workforce training in specialized industry roles, such as stage management and audio engineering.
Downtown Revitalization: Drawing 40,000 - 50,000 patrons to our district annually, Wareham Hall will enhance the downtown district, fostering a comprehensive cultural district (alongside the Museum of Art and Light) and establishing downtown Manhattan as a premier state destination for arts and entertainment.