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Renovation of Philadelphia’s Metropolitan Opera House
posted by
NaimaA
on
April 20, 2006 at 8:41 am
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The reports of our demise (and demolition) have been greatly exaggerated!
Since 1998, the Metropolitan Opera House has been undergoing a slow but steady renovations process. The building is currently in use primarily as a worship center (Holy Ghost Headquarters Revival Center at the Met). This center is led by a former member of the last worship center at the Met, Rev. Mark Hatcher.
HGHRC@The Met established a nonprofit community development center to complete renovations in 1998 and to lead eventual historic renovations. Approximately $4.5 million dollars in basic systems replacement, stabilization and renovations have been completed.
Phase II renovations currently underway include replacing the retail operations previously installed in the ‘40’s that will create earned income for use in the renovation work. The City of Philadelphia has made a financial commitment to support the creation of these spaces. All previous work has been completed without benefit of any public sector or private foundation funding.
One of these planned retail spaces will be designated for a Historic Exhibit Center chronicling the building’s use as an Opera House, theatre and worship center. Tours will be available through this exhibit center when completed (estimated completion date November 2007). Tours are now available by appointment only-215-431-6148.
Additional information is available on these websites:
www.holyghostheadquarters.org or www.npcdcatthemet.org
We will celebrate the building’s 100th anniversary in November of 2008 and will make additional postings regarding events surrounding the anniversary.
Contributions to support the renovation work are welcome!
Comments (1)
Pardon my ignorance, Gwen W. I was not aware that this building was under re-construction. It is pleasing to know that it is coming back to life for such a noble purpose. I look forward to hearing more about further developments occurring in your worship center. I entertain the thought of sharing in service possibly at one of your services. It’s a beautiful building with so many possibilities. May God continue to bless your work in the community.
Arthur Ward
South West, Philadelphia