The Tivoli Theatre Foundation has purchased the property adjacent to the Theatre and plans to continue the restoration of the venue as well as renovating the new property., officials said.
The investment will include the creation of a performing arts center for Chattanooga.
“Since its inception, the Tivoli Foundation has reinvigorated the performance arts venues in Chattanooga,” said Nick Wilkinson, Executive Director of Tivoli Theatre Foundation.
“The Tivoli, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, and Walker Theatre have seen a 700 percent increase in the number of concerts and performances. We also have maintained the performances by the Chattanooga Symphony, Opera, Chattanooga Ballet and others.”
Mr. Wilkinson said the Foundation has invested its profits into the restoration and renovation of all three venues. “Acquisition of the Tivoli Center will build on the tradition of investing private funds to make the customer experience memorable. There is a reason the Tivoli is called the ‘Jewel of the South’ and our commitment is to make it shine even brighter.
"This acquisition, although separate from the city-owned Tivoli Theatre, will provide the Foundation with the ability to utilize private funds to continue to invest in the venues. So far it has invested over $4.5 million in that effort. Plans are to create a complex for arts education programs, rehearsal space, office space for the CSO, and other arts-related events for generations to come."
Samantha Teter, executive director of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, said, “The CSO is thrilled to strengthen its partnership with the Tivoli Theatre Foundation through their acquisition of the Tivoli Center, which currently houses our administrative offices. The plans they have to renovate not only the Tivoli Theatre but also the Tivoli Center will allow the CSO to have better space for our staff, musicians, our productions, and our patrons. We’re excited for the renovations to come to fruition.”
Mr. Wilkinson said, "The plans for the restored Tivoli Theatre and Tivoli Center, to be known as the Tivoli Performing Arts Center, will allow the Tivoli Theatre to become an even greater venue with improved patron amenities like bathrooms, expanded lobby space for all floors, as well as improved stage, house, and ADA accessibility. The Tivoli Theatre Foundation also intends to fully restore the Tivoli Theatre to bring it back to its full glory and elegance that so many Chattanoogans have treasured.
"This project launches an exciting new phase for the Tivoli Theatre Foundation. The Foundation will share more with the community over the coming months about how they can take part in this exciting opportunity to restore the Tivoli Theatre and create a world-class performing arts complex for all to enjoy."
He said the move is "continuing the organization’s use of private funds to restore the beautiful Tivoli Theatre,"