Historic Downtown Yakima Theatre Begins Expansion
September 4, 2009 by Dave McFadden
The Historic Capitol Theatre broke ground on its first expansion project since it was built in 1920. Local leaders celebrated at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Theatre’s new production center. The $9.4 million facility will allow the Theatre to accommodate larger, Broadway-style production, add more space for smaller productions, and provide a 2,800 square foot patio space for private outdoor receptions.
Yakima Mayor Dave Edler called this first phase of the expansion project, “A centerpiece for our economic development strategy.” State Senator Curtis King added that the Theatre project will spur measurable impacts. “We are adding to the economic vitality of our Valley and the economic vitality will also enhance, in a great way, our quality of life.”
The first phase is part of a $14.6 million expansion project funded by city, county, state, and private donors. It is widely considered one of the largest Downtown Yakima revitalization projects in line with new, period-style street improvements, The Lofts condominiums, and the painting of the Historic Great Western building, all recently completed and combined account for over $35 million in total downtown investments. In addition, two beautiful new downtown hotels have been built with the second to celebrate its grand opening by November 1st.
According to Lisa Smith, business development director for New Vision, “The total capital investments made into Downtown Yakima over the past few years has been exciting to see and it continues to move forward. More revitalization/expansion projects are planned for next year which shows that investors see the value in Yakima’s relatively stable economy and continued growth in the future.”
Attributed, in part, to the Yakima Herald-Republic
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