TORRINGTON, Conn. — The Community Investment Fund 2030 Board has announced that it will review and likely approve $1.5 million in state funding for the Warner Theatre in Torrington at their next meeting, according to a release.
“I shudder to think we could have lost this Torrington gem back in the 1980s when it faced foreclosure and demolition,” said Deputy Speaker of the House Michelle Cook (D-Torrington). “I’m so thankful that a dedicated group had the foresight to create a nonprofit to save the Warner and help it continue to thrive.”
Cook thanked Speaker of the House Matt Ritter (D-Hartford), Gov. Ned Lamont and the CIF Board for seeing value in the project.
“Once Michelle Cook talked to me about the importance of the Warner Theatre to her community, I knew it was a great candidate for CIF funds,” Ritter said. “The Warner is a legendary destination in the heart of Torrington.”
The CIF Board says the Warner Theatre hopes to renovate its building, lobby and stage, including improvements to HVAC systems and issues pertaining to electrical and accessibility issues. Plans are also in the works to modernize the theatre’s sound, lighting, lighting control, security and smoke alarm systems.
Warner Theatre Co-Executive Directors Stephanie Fried and Patrick Langevin extend their gratitude to Cook, Ritter, Lamont and members of the CIF Board for their commitment to developing arts and community.
“The funding will allow us to enhance our facilities, ensuring that we continue to provide a welcoming and exceptional experience for our patrons. We are excited about the positive impact these improvements will have on our programs and our ability to attract top entertainment experiences for the residents of northwest Connecticut,” Fried and Langevin said in a joint statement.
Warner Board Chair Brian Mattiello is thankful that Cook went to bat for the local arts community.
“The state’s continued investment in the Warner Theatre, and belief in its importance and promise, is lifting for anyone who lives in the area and appreciates the role this cultural icon plays in our economy and lives,” Mattiello said.
According to the CIF Board, the project’s goal is to upgrade the facility to attract a larger, more diverse audience from Torrington and the region and appeal to a broader range of performers. The theatre is a major economic driver for Torrington’s local businesses as well.
“The Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce strongly supports this investment in the Warner Theatre," said Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce President and CEO JoAnn Ryan. "The Warner Theatre is not just a landmark; it is a hub for creativity and engagement that attracts visitors and stimulates local businesses. We applaud the state’s commitment to supporting Torrington's growth and vibrancy."
The Warner Theatre was built by Warner Brothers Studios and opened in 1931 as a movie palace. It was sold in the 1950s because of a federally mandated divestment and suffered extreme damage in the Flood of 1955.
The CIF Board says that declining business coupled with the invention of television and high expenses caused the building to fall into a state of disrepair. The owners closed the theater when facing foreclosure in 1981 and listed the property for sale at $275,000.
A year later, the theatre faced demolition when a concerned group of residents formed the Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts, Inc., a nonprofit created to save the facility. The group led a grass-roots effort and raised enough money to buy the building.
In 1983, the Warner re-opened, and restoration continued until 2002.
Now, the theatre is open year-round. Each year, it is home to more than 160 public performances and serves 100,000 patrons. Over 8,000 children from kindergarten to Grade 12 are positively affected by the theatre’s arts education programs.
"It's really something to behold, when you recognize the reach that the Warner has not only in Torrington, but in the entire Northwest corner," said Cook. "The stage has hosted some of our youngest talents, to some of the most famous people. We are blessed to have the Warner as a part of Torrington’s Main Street landscape, and it is instrumental in bringing our communities together."
The funding is part of CIF 2030, as projects that were previously overlooked now have access to capital that can benefit entire neighborhoods. The CIF 2030 will foster economic development in historically underserved communities throughout Connecticut.
CIF will offer a total of up to $875 million to eligible municipalities and not-for-profit organizations and community development corporations that operate within them.
Grants are available for capital improvement programs, including brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, clean energy development and home or public facility rehabilitation.
Grants are also available for planning for capital projects, including activities such as community engagement processes, feasibility studies, development of project plan and construction budget.
The CIF board meets on Sept. 24 at the Legislative Building in Hartford.
----
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
----
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
