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Vallejo Music Theatre Purchases Building for much needed local Theater Spaces Singing, dancing, drama, comedy, del 'arte may one day grace the halls of the first VMT successful in winning the bid for the property January 26, 2003! How VMT managed to purchase the building is a unique story. The General Services Administration posted the historic Old Post Office on their auction block November 6, 2002. Long story short…after determining that theaters could be installed in the historic Old Post Office VMT entered the bidding process December 29 with a $25,000 deposit. January 26, 2003 VMT won the bid at $532,222. Because of the wonderful support of the community we met the 10% down payment of $53,222, and an extension fee of $10,333. We qualified for a first mortgage of $346,000 and with the help of loans from five individuals we were able to raise the $150,410 to close escrow. September 5, 2003 escrow closed and the real work began to move the project forward. VMT is moving forward with plans to renovate the historic structure to include a 283-seat main stage and a 78 seat black box theater. The plans also call for a small coffee shop/concession/bar, book store, costume museum and gallery. Retrofitting to bring the building up to code, restoration of the historic lobby and installation of the theaters will all be necessary to make the dream come true. A Capital Campaign is underway to raise the funds needed to accomplish the dream. Support from the public is vital to the success of the project. Built in 1932 the former post office has 10,183 sq. ft. on the main floor and another 5,000 sq. ft. located in the basement. The building was closed about seven years ago when the federal offices moved to a new location in town. It was remodeled in 1968 into an office building, but putting the theater in there will require removing all of the existing walls, hanging ceilings, heat/air chasers, etc., retrofitting for earthquake and installing stages, scene shop, seating, a fly system, sound system, etc. Vallejo architect Paul Roberts is preparing architectural studies to determine costs for a Development Plan and Project Costs. Hopefully we will have a "Cadillac" for a theater once completed. Donations and Pledges Pledges can be spread out over a period of time, or sent when we have need for funds. Donations marked especially for the Building Fund will be used solely for work on the building. Forms are located below. | |
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