Three finalists set to present plans for Chateau
The Rochester City Council will hold a special meeting this Thursday evening (5 to 7 p.m. at City Hall) to hear from three groups seeking to take over operations and management of the Chateau Theatre.
The finalists — Arts Trust of Minnesota, Entourage Events Group, and Exhibits Development Group — were selected to advance to the council following a review by city staff and Destination Medical Center officials. In all, five groups had responded to the city’s request for proposals.
During the Thursday meeting, each group will be given 20 minutes to present, with another 10 minutes for a Q&A with the council. A final determination on an operator is expected sometime in May.
A review of the proposals shows all three final contenders are asking the city for additional funds to complete their build-out of the space. Those capital costs — ranging from $230,000 to $400,000 — would be on top of the $1.1 million in initial renovations being paid for with DMC funds.
Below we have included a brief breakdown of each of the finalists. You can view the proposals in full by accessing the city council agenda packet.
Arts Trust of Minnesota
A coalition of more than 20 local organizations are behind this concept, which would require a capital investment of $376,000 from the city.
The Arts Trust of Minnesota is a nonprofit being created specifically to activate the Chateau. The group envisions a space that can be used for a variety of events, including theater, education, concerts and movies.
Partners on the proposal include Gallery 24, Gray Duck Theater, Rochester Community and Technical College, and the Choral Arts Ensemble.
The requested capital investment would go toward the purchase and installation of light, sound and visual equipment.
Entourage Events Group
After finishing as the runner-up on the Castle RFP, Entourage Events Group is back — this time making a push for the Chateau.
Under their proposal, which would require $300,000 to $400,000 for additional renovations, Entourage would program the Chateau with live music, entertainment, corporate events, weddings, and more.
While approximately two-thirds of the events would be private, the company has committed to providing the space to one community organization per month at no cost.
Entourage has a special affinity for historic structures. Among the venues it already owns and operates is the newly-renovated Minneapolis Armory.
Exhibits Development Group
The Chateau would showcase traveling exhibitions of art, science, history and popular culture, under a proposal from Exhibits Development Group.
The St. Paul-based organization believes it could activate the space year-round — and has set a goal of drawing at least 120,000 visitors annually.
The $230,000 it is requesting from the city would go toward upgrading the electrical system and lighting, along with other renovations to the building.
EDG says potential exhibitions could include “Beyond Rubik’s Cube” and “Magical History Tour: A Beatles Memorabilia Exhibition.” To generate activity, the group would program school field trips and adult nights.
The Chateau, under their proposal, would also feature a café and lounge.
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