Canton Palace Theatre announces $16 million expansion and renovation project

CANTON − The Canton Palace Theatre has announced the details of a $16.3 million expansion and renovation project to keep the historic venue viable far into the future.

The ambitious project includes a bigger stage, adding a second lobby, constructing a truck loading area, adding premium seating closer to the stage, new and additional restrooms, increased accessibility for those with disabilities and other improvements.

Scheduled to be completed to commemorate the historic venue's 100th anniversary, the project is "aimed at expanding the beloved theatre and addressing current facility challenges," the Palace Theatre said this week in a prepared statement. "This project endeavors to enhance the facility’s functionality and accessibility, allowing for a greater number of patrons to experience live and movie events for generations to come."

Construction to start in fall/winter 2024

Nothing is finalized regarding the project's capital campaign funding or any other funding at this time, said Georgia Paxos, executive director of the Palace Theatre.

The anniversary website, however, includes a section on funding, the project budget and economic impact.

Projected funding is broken down:

• $6.2 million from the Stark County Capital Campaigns Committee.

• $2 million in federal dollars.

• $1 million in state funding.

• $2 million in local government funding.

• $700,000 contribution from the nonprofit Palace Theatre.

• $2.2 million from national foundations/fundraising.

• $2.2 million from local fundraising over the course of four years.

The plan is to unveil the renovated and expanded venue for the anniversary year, which will span Nov. 22, 2026, through Nov. 22, 2027, Paxos said.

"We know with supply chain issues and construction surrounding a 100-year-old historic building, some delays can arise, so we are confident that at some point between November 2026 and November 2027 we will unveil this newly expanded facility for our entire community," she said in an email.

The "monumental initiative will unfold through a multi-phase fundraising and construction process," the Palace Theatre said.

For more information about the 100th anniversary project, including architect blueprints and renderings, the Palace encourages the public to visit https://www.cantonpalace100.com/.

$16 million project: Canton Palace Theatre proposal would raze neighboring building and expand historic venue

Key parts of the project include expanding the current stage to allow for larger live events; the addition of a secondary lobby to allow patrons more locations to purchase concessions and refreshments; additional premium seating closer to the stage; adding an elevator to allow for accessible seating in the balcony; additional restrooms on both floors; a permanent loading dock area to make it easier to set up shows; and additional dressing rooms and green rooms for performers.

Seating capacity will increase from 1,488 to more than 1,500. Lobby square footage will increase from 2,401 to 5,312. Dressing rooms will go from 13 to 17.

In June, Palace officials said that staff parking would be added for up to 20 vehicles. An outdoor event area on Sixth Street NW is also listed in the project plan, as well as interior renovations, storage and administrative areas.

Construction will happen in a phased approach that will allow for continued operations and brief closures over the next two years, with construction expected to begin the fall/winter of 2024, Paxos said.

Historic character of venue will be retained

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater hosts shows and events throughout the year, including movies, nationally touring musical artists, magicians, famous authors, the Canton Ballet and regional bands.

Past performers have included Danny Trejo, Todd Rundgren, Pat Benatar, Amy Grant, Dwight Yoakam, Judy Garland, Walt Disney, the band Chicago, Art Garfunkel, Walter Cronkite, George W. Bush, Michelle Obama, the Goo Goo Dolls, Ingrid Michaelson and Kenny Rogers.

Todd Herberghs, chairman of the Palace Theatre's board of directors, said the project will not disturb the building's historic character and ornate architecture.

"It's going to look the same," he said in June when first discussing the project.

The Palace Theatre has hired Stages Consultants, a "world-renowned theater and acoustics design consultancy company located in Highland Park, New Jersey," the news release said.

Motter & Meadows Architects and Fred Olivieri Construction Co. also will be used for the project.

Palace has eye on the future

Paxos said the ambitious project will position the venue for the future.

“This project addresses the facility needs of our patrons and customers," she said. "It will ensure the Canton Palace Theatre remains at the forefront of historic entertainment venues in Northeast Ohio and will expand our footprint, but also our economic impact to our community.”

Palace charm 'can never be duplicated'

Paxos said the Palace has finalized the purchase of the two buildings directly west of the theater on Sixth Street NW. A date has not been set for demolition work to start, she said.

The Palace's decision to purchase and raze the two buildings has drawn criticism from some of the former occupants and others in the downtown community, including on social media.

BZTAT Studios, The CUT Cinema, Just Imagine Studio & Shop, Happy Pappys Action Figure Extravaganza and Eulogy Tattoo were among the displaced tenants. Around 30 apartment units were located in one of the buildings.

Storied history: Canton Palace Theatre marking 95 years of movies, music, entertainment and survival

Dennis Saunier, president and CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the Palace is a unique downtown landmark in need of upgrades.

“The beauty and nostalgia it brings can never be duplicated," he said in an emailed comment. "The idea of bringing necessary enhancements allowing the venue to be even more versatile is overdue. Continued growth of downtown Canton allows for the Palace to think bigger and bolder, resulting in activity that will have a positive economic impact not just to Canton, but to the entire region.”

Paxos said the "transformative project will profoundly influence the local community."

Improvements will allow the venue to "host a broader spectrum of events and extend rental opportunities to other organizations."

"When completed, we are excited to continue hosting and presenting the diverse programming we are known for in an expanded facility with more amenities for our supportive community,” Paxos said.

Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com. On X (formerly Twitter) @ebalintREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton Palace Theatre embarks on $16 million project for historic site