Chattanooga’s Tivoli Theatre Set for Major Renovation

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNewsTheater

Construction workers handling salvaged materials at Tivoli Theatre

News Summary

Chattanooga’s Tivoli Theatre is set for a transformative $73 million renovation starting January 2025. Recent ‘Deconstruction Day’ focused on sustainable practices, salvaging materials for reuse. The Tivoli Foundation, in collaboration with local partners, is spearheading this project to revitalize the historic venue while securing funding for energy efficiency. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for December 17, 2024, leading up to the anticipated reopening in summer 2026, blending historical significance with modern innovation.

Exciting Changes Are Coming to Chattanooga’s Tivoli Theatre!

Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement as it gets ready for a transformative renovation project at the historic Tivoli Theatre! This impressive endeavor, estimated at more than $73 million, is set to kick off in January 2025 and aims to breathe new life into one of the city’s most cherished cultural landmarks.

A Brighter Future with Deconstruction Day

The journey towards revitalizing the Tivoli recently took a significant step forward during a special promotional event called “Deconstruction Day at the Tivoli.” This event wasn’t just about demolition; it focused on sustainability by salvaging valuable materials that can be reused in the theatre’s renovation. The Tivoli Performing Arts project, in collaboration with the Deconstruction Advisory Board for Chattanooga and Hamilton County, successfully recovered an assortment of items including:

11 full glass wood interior doors
Over 1,300 linear feet of mahogany trim
Custom wood cabinet doors and drawers
Stair balusters and brass hinges
A small stainless steel bar sink
Two bar stools donated to the Chattanooga Habitat for Humanity Restore

This careful deconstruction process is all about systematically disassembling buildings to retrieve materials that hold economic, environmental, educational, and cultural value.

Community Support and Partnerships

The Tivoli Foundation is playing a vital role in this exciting restoration project, emphasizing its commitment to the community and the overall cultural economy in Chattanooga. It’s heartwarming to see numerous partners involved, such as TU Parks and Vaughn, alongside Advisory Board members who have worked diligently to bring this vision to life. Local businesses like Shackelford Fine Building and even UTC students and faculty from the Structural Masonry and Wood Design class are lending their talents and expertise to the cause.

Funding for a Bright Future

Notable strides have also been made in securing funding for the project. The Tivoli Foundation has collaborated with US Bancorp Impact Finance and closed loans through the National Community Development Financial Institution, known as the Reinvestment Fund. Additionally, to get closer to that goal of energy efficiency, the project secured support from new C-PACE loans, proving that the renovation is not just ambitious but also environmentally conscious.

Mark Your Calendars!

With construction officially slated to begin in January 2025, the countdown is on! Before that, there’ll be a breaking ceremony on December 17, 2024, where community members can join in the exciting act of demolishing walls in both buildings connected with the expansion. Local officials, including Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, have openly expressed their strong support for revitalizing the Tivoli.

From the Past to the Future

The Tivoli Theatre originally opened its doors in March 1921, at an astonishing cost of nearly $1 million. The upcoming renovation will not only honor the theatre’s historical significance but also introduce an array of new features, including the Bobby Stowe Theatre and exciting educational programs.

Get Ready for Summer 2026!

As the project unfolds, anticipation is building for the grand reopening of the renovated Tivoli Theatre expected in the summer of 2026. With a blend of historical appreciation and modern innovation, the heart of Chattanooga’s cultural scene is poised to shine brighter than ever before! Stay tuned as this amazing transformation takes shape, promising an enriched experience for all.