Shubert Center sets groundbreaking date

The Minnesota Shubert Center will break ground on its renovation project Nov. 19. Thursday's announcement marks a watershed in the long saga of the 1910-era theater on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis. The $42 million rehabilitation is expected to take about 15 months, with the center opening in time for the spring 2011 dance season, said Colin Hamilton, executive director of the Shubert.

Once completed, the 508-seat Shubert will be a center for dance, music and theater -- including an educational component that currently operates in the adjacent Hennepin Center for the Arts. Three dance companies with offices in the Hennepin Center -- James Sewell Ballet, Minnesota Dance Theatre and Zenon -- will use the new Shubert.

The historic building was saved from the wrecking ball in 1998 when it was lifted from its moorings at 7th Street and 1st Avenue and moved to between 5th and 6th Streets on Hennepin. At the time, supporters anticipated the Shubert would be remodeled within a few years, perhaps opening by 2005.

Fundraising, however, proved challenging. Artspace Projects, which owns the building, planned to refurbish the interior in its original double-balcony form with nearly 1,000 seats, with an elaborate atrium that would connect it to the Hennepin Center. Those plans evolved over the years to keep costs down. The auditorium will now have a continuous rake from the stage to the back of the room.

What changed the tide was a commitment of $12 million in state bonding in 2005 and 2006.

"That was the green light for the project," said Hamilton. "When the state gave its backing, we had the confidence to go forward."

The Shubert raised $9 million in 2008, including a $1.5 million challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation. This year, the city of Minneapolis allocated $2 million in federal stimulus money to the project. U.S. Bank and the Pohlad family also provided significant assistance.

Hamilton said $40 million of the total $42 million has been raised, and the Shubert envisions raising the balance during construction.

Graydon Royce • 612-673-7299