Maine Theatre Gets Overhaul

The State Theatre in Portland, Maine, has had $700,000 in major renovations and could be hosting performances in the next year if it can find a new tenant that can kick in another $150,000 to $700,000, according to its owner.

“The big stuff has been done,” Stone Coast Properties’ Ron Goglia told the Portland Press-Herald. The “big stuff” includes drywall ceiling, wiring, bathrooms on the main floor, and fire alarms, detection system, escapes and doors.

The 1,500-capacity building still needs paint, carpeting and other amenities. But it was the fire and other safety upgrades that Goglia said has kept the State Theatre closed for the past four years.

At that time, fire inspectors were particularly concerned about bathrooms in the basement that had only one exit, and antiquated wiring.

A final inspection is still needed, but Portland Fire Capt. Keith Gautreau told the Press-Herald he doesn’t foresee any problems now. Rent would be $9,000 to $15,000 a month, according to the paper.

Of 10 potential operators that have expressed interest, three reportedly have adequate facility management experience and the financial backing to be considered but were not made public.