WHITEHALL, Mich. — The $3.9 million renovation project on a 102-year-old Whitehall theater started 19 months ago. The project was delayed due to structural challenges.
"The good news is that we found them," said Beth Beaman, the managing director for Playhouse at White Lake. "The second good news is that they're fixed."
Renovations are on pace to finish in late May or early June in time for a special reopening event towards the end of June.
The work includes a 7,000-square-foot addition that wraps around the building. Last month the theater was renamed to The Playhouse at White Lake.
The addition also includes a lobby, box office, concession stand, restrooms, and a loading dock with snowmelt.
"An all new backstage area with restrooms backstage for actors and performers, a green room and rehearsal space," Beaman said.
It was paid for by private donors, foundations, grants and support from the city of Whitehall.
"This community was very generous," Beaman said.
When finished there will be fewer seats, however those seats will be larger.
Besides a theater, the space is a gathering place community events.
The balcony has been rebuilt and the stage is larger. The last renovations at the theater was in the 1970s.
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