Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation Awards $150,000 to Restore Historic Opera House

The Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation awarded $150,000 to the Friends of the Thomaston Opera House to assist in funding the theater’s renovation and restoration project. As the Bank celebrates its 150^th anniversary, they are delighted to be in a position to provide a large grant to their historic neighbor.

Local organizations are leading a capital campaign to launch the next 140 years of community enrichment at the Thomaston Opera House. These organizations include the Thomaston Opera House Commission, Landmark Community Theatre, Friends of the Thomaston Opera House, Thomaston Opera House Restoration Committee, and the Thomaston Opera House Building Committee.

“We are overjoyed to kickstart the Opera House’s capital campaign. Restoring the Opera House will not only enrich the community but foster economic development in Thomaston through tourism, employment opportunities, and cultural experiences.” – Stephen L. Lewis, President & CEO, Thomaston Savings Bank

Built in 1884, the historic Thomaston Opera House has served as a cultural and recreation center for the town and surrounding communities for 140 years. After over a century of use, the building requires restoration and renovation to continue to create employment opportunities, boost tourism, provide enriching cultural experiences, revitalize the downtown area, and promote diversity and social cohesion.

“I am thrilled to finally see the much-needed improvements to the Thomaston Opera House begin. This has taken years of planning and dedication from the Thomaston Opera House Commission, Landmark Community Theatre, Friends of the Thomaston Opera House, and all our dedicated volunteers. Having Thomaston Savings Bank as a corporate supporter is vital to the overall success of the project. We hope their contribution inspires other organizations and individuals to donate. While this is only phase 1 of a 3-phase plan, the start and the completion are now within sight.” – Jeff Dunn, Executive Director, Landmark Community Theatre

A comprehensive plan for renovation and historic preservation has been developed to transform the Thomaston Opera House into a state-of-the-art performance space. The renovations have three components including: restoring the Opera House’s original artwork and Romanesque ceiling, improving accessibility for those with mobility challenges, and enhancing the building’s energy efficiency. The restoration and renovation plan is projected to cost $8.1 million, $3.5 million of which has been secured from the State of Connecticut. Work is slated to begin in June of this year.

The Landmark Community Theatre is committed to providing high quality theatrical productions for the enjoyment of the community. Many of the scheduled productions including Mean Girls (teen production), Fiddler on the Roof, and Scrooge the Musical, are subject to relocation or rescheduling to adhere to the construction and renovation schedules. For more information about upcoming shows go to http://www.landmarkcommunitytheatre.org/

Those interested in reviewing detailed renovation plans or contributing to the capital campaign can contact Jeff Dunn, Executive Director of the Landmark Community Theatre at 860.283.8558 or email Campaign@tohfriends.org.