Rendering ofThe Grand Oshkosh $10 million renovation and expansion project, December 2024. (Image courtesy of city of Oshkosh)
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Oshkosh and the Grand Opera House are moving forward with plans for a $10 million renovation and expansion project, including a new entrance.
The facility opened in 1883. There were renovation projects in 1982-86, and in 2009-10. It currently seats 550 people, and hosts more than 100 performances each year. The city owns the theatre.
The latest project, which was endorsed by the Oshkosh Common Council Tuesday night, would have funding split 50-50 between the city of the Grand Oshkosh Foundation, according to city documents. It’s dubbed the “One Opera House Square Capital Project.”
“It’s a transformative project,” said Joseph Ferlo, President & CEO of The Grand Oshkosh, Inc. Fundraising of the $5 million is underway, he said.
The Memorandum of Understanding sets out the relationship and expectations for the city and foundation, city manager Mark Rohloff told the council Tuesday night.
“The purpose of the MOU is to really memorialize that fundraising effort. The Grand, in order for them to be successful in a fundraising effort, are going to need to go donors and say ‘The City’s In’ for this. With that knowledge, then they have a better chance at fundraising because they know the city is willing to put their half of the project in there,” Rohloff said.
The council approved the MOU unanimously, with one abstention.
The Grand’s lease was also extended to 2045.
The project includes public-facing elements, including a new entrance, as well as infrastructure items.
“This budget includes the new two-story addition, new sanitary/storm sewers, first floor lobby and toilet renovations, second floor lounge and toilet room renovations, elevator reconfiguration/modernization, exterior window and door replacements, High Street Annex building façade restorations, theatre seat replacements, wallpaper repair and wood trim repainting, parking lot redesigns/construction, utility relocations, real estate acquisition, environmental remediation and professional services for design fees, MEP, HVAC, fire protection, site surveying, material testing, Geotech engineering and more,” the summary states.
The city’s financial commitment would begin once the foundation raises its $5 million. The city anticipates budgeting $385,000 in 2025, $4,825,000 in 2026, and $4,790,000 in 2027. The city would use ARPA funds to cover $465,000 in design costs. No bids would be awarded until after the foundation reaches it fundraising goal.
Construction could take 12-to-16 months, but a specific construction timeline has not been finalized, Ferlo said. But it’s unlikely work starts before 2026, he said.
During the work, the theatre would host events at other facilities but not at The Grand, as happened with previous projects, Ferlo said.
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