Kalamazoo Civic Theatre raising $5.1M for improvements

The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre is working to raise $5.1 million for improvements including replacing roofs and carpeting as well as installing new lighting and sound equipment.

The Kalamazoo Gazette reports the community theater has already raised $3.8 million from foundations and other donors for The Art of Enriching Lives campaign. At an event Tuesday, officials announced they’re broadening the fundraising campaign to the public.

Under the upgrade plans, roofs will be replaced on the Civic Auditorium, Parish Theatre and Carver Center. Wheelchair access will be improved, carpeting will be replaced, furniture in the Civic Auditorium will be reupholstered and an endowment for maintenance will be funded.

Mike Seelye, a co-chair of the fundraising campaign, says the effort is “about strengthening a positive, historic community asset.”  (AP)