In its regular podcast posted on Thursday, Renaissance Performing Arts announced the acquisition and upcoming renovation of a two story building at 166 Park Avenue West. Speaking about the project was Renaissance President and CEO Mike Miller and Chairman of the Board of the Renaissance, Rand Smith.
It’s consistent with the idea of creating a “Renaissance Theatre District,” officials shared during the podcast.
The 15,000 square foot building, acquired through the Richland County Land Bank for the sum of $89 and a commitment to renovation, is envisioned to provide multiple roles. In addition to classroom and/or learning spaces, a smaller performing arts facility is under consideration to be housed in the facility, thereby expanding the types of events which the Renaissance can accommodate.
It was noted that a new roof has already been placed on the building, the interior has been cleared out, and that $150,000 of the renovation cost has already been raised without the necessity of going into debt of any kind. A feasibility study will be undertaken in January to solicit community input into how the building can be used.
During the podcast, Miller and Smith also looked back at 2016, and ahead at a new year that will include, in addition to the new building project, the selection of a new Mansfield Symphony Orchestra conductor.
The podcast with this announcement is featured below, and can also be accessed here, as is a Google Maps view of the new building.
Photo Credit: Mansfield/Richland County Convention & Visitors Bureau
