Phase I of Historic Stenciling Replication Complete!
PHASE I THROUGH II OF THE SHERIDAN OPERA HOUSE RESTORATION ARE COMPLETE!
The Sheridan Opera House, one of Telluride's most well-loved and most frequently-used buildings, has almost completed a multi-phase project of restoration.
SAF application scores for Phase Two grant ranged 89 to 92 (on a scale of 100), and Historical Society Grant Readers were extremely complimentary of the restoration project, the Sheridan Arts Foundation efforts, and Telluride's support of the restoration. One grant reader commented, "As the focal point for a great number of performing arts activities, for both young and old, as well as amateur and professional, the Sheridan Opera House is a worthy recipient of grant funds, due primarily to the substantial public benefit derived from its continued operation and preservation. The Sheridan Arts Foundation's emphasis on children is especially noteworthy." As a result, the Sheridan Arts Foundation (SAF) was awarded $246,000 from the Colorado Historical Society for Phase Two of the Sheridan Opera House Restoration! The grant awarded to the SAF was one of the largest grants awarded by the Colorado Historical Society that year. A HUGE thank you goes out to the Historical Society Grant Readers for making this restoration possible!
So far, with the generous support of patrons and grants from the Colorado Historical Society, we have restored the building's west façade and begun renovation on the theater's interior. This work included restoring interior walls, installing air conditioning, and restoring the seats. We have also restored the beautiful hardwood maple floors. Safety improvements added to date include a new fire escape, upgraded electrical components and a safety fire wall to separate the stage from the theater.
Although our accomplishments to date are significant, we have a great deal more to achieve.
Phase II work included:
-Complete replacement of the building's roof system
-Remediation of drainage (and ice) problems along the west façade
-Creation of access to the Opera House basement for future
expansion
-Installation of fire sprinkler system in the basement
-Installation of air conditioning
-Restoration of the theater and gallery wood floors
-Restoration of the theater seating
Phase III work includes:
-Phase I & II of Historic stenciling of theater - Phase I Complete!
-Comprehensive on-stage rigging
-Installation of fire sprinkler system in theate - Complete!
-Recess of theatrical lighting into ceiling
-Upgrades to basement
One aspect of the SAF's activities that may not be well understood by our donors is that we provide substantial subsidies to other Telluride not-profit organizations. These subsidies provide discounted rental rates for the use of the Sheridan Opera House.
Please join us in preserving this community treasure. For more information regarding the Sheridan Opera House renovations or to make a tax deductible donation, please call 970.728.6363 or email Ronnie Palamar at ronnie@sheridanoperahouse.com.