Art group's proposal for Chateau wins early support from city administration

Rochester city administration is recommending the council go with Threshold Arts as the next operator of the Chateau Theatre.

The recommendation was put forward in a memo to the council ahead of next Monday’s scheduled meeting. Threshold Arts was one of three groups to submit a proposal for management of the city-owned building.

In making the recommendation, administration officials noted that Threshold would bring a “high level of activation for the space, with plans for solid community utilization through a variety of partners.”

The memo also points to the fact that Threshold has prior experience putting on performances and operating a retail environment.

“The model planned for the Chateau is similar to the model used at the Castle for events, and the Threshold Arts store on Broadway for the front area activation and community space,” the memo states.

According to its proposal, Threshold plans to keep the space open regularly with local retail, art, and a café. It also wants to work with community groups to put on events, such as concerts and theater performances.

The agreement being recommended would allow Threshold to operate in the Chateau for a three-year term, with an option for renewal. (Threshold has said the Chateau would become its primary venue for events.)

The organization is seeking $106,000 in city funding for furniture, fixtures, and other equipment — all of which would stay with the Chateau.

Threshold is one of three groups being considered for operations of the Chateau, including one made up of leaders from three city departments.

The council, however, has not been able to form any consensus on what to do next with building, which the city purchased in 2016 for $6 million. Council members could approve the recommendation from staff, select another proposal, or take a completely different direction.

The 94-year-old theater is located along Peace Plaza, which is now in the last leg of a $17 million renovation project. Activation of the Chateau has been identified as a key priority in the Heart of the City plan.

Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.