Threshold Arts to take over operations of the Chateau Theatre
The Rochester City Council voted unanimously on Monday to approve an operating agreement with Threshold Arts for use of the Chateau Theatre.
Under the contract, Threshold will operate out of the building at no cost for three years, with an option for a three-year extension. Aditionally:
The city, which paid $6 million for the building in 2016, will collect 10 percent of revenue earned through rentals of the space. The city and Threshold will share utility costs.
Threshold has committed to allowing the city-led Community Enrichement Team to host events in the building.
There is language in the contract for a potential buyout in the event that the city develops a full restoration plan for the Chateau.
Threshold’s plan calls for activating the nearly century-old building with gallery exhibitions, theater, music, and other special events. There will also be a retail area that will be open during the day.
The city is requesting up to $250,000 in Destination Medical Center funding that would go toward bathroom renovations, AV upgrades, and new furniture. City administration said all of the enhancements would benefit the long-term use of the space, regardlesss of the tenant.
In an email earlier this month, Threshold Arts director Naura Anderson said she expects the opening of the building to happen in phases, depending on the timeline for renovations.
In the interim, Anderson said Threshold does plan to provide “some level of activation” a few weeks after the contract is finalized. This would include inviting community partners in “to share ideas, see the space, and help us finalize design decisions for the most flexible usage,” Anderson said.
Threshold previously operated out of the currently-defunct Castle Community project, before ending its lease during the pandemic. It also has a retail space along South Broadway in downtown Rochester.
Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.
