After a lifetime of hosting stars like Jack Benny and the Marx Brothers, the NorShor Theatre in Duluth, Minnesota has become a star in its own right. rom the balcony to the box office, the landmark 1910 theater has undergone a total restoration.
After weathering its share of milestones and misfortune, a new life and new legacy are unfolding for this legendary landmark. At center stage in downtown Duluth’s Historic Arts and Theater (HART) District, the restored NorShor Theatre will bring new economic development, new productions, and new possibilities to the region.
The beloved NorShor Theatre is regaining its rightful place as the Northland’s beacon of arts, entertainment, and world-class performances. A project this important comes along once in a lifetime.
“…it was kind of falling apart,” said former Duluth Mayor Don Ness. “All sorts of water issues, and code violations, and the fire marshal would come in and shut things down for a time. And it became a strip club, a strip club that had a lot of prostitution and drug dealing and gang activity and was a real blight in our downtown,” Ness said.
Ness was elected mayor in 2008, and two years later, the city’s economic development authority bought the NorShor and surrounding real estate for $2.3 million with his support.
The dual intent was to return it to life as a vibrant cultural center, and to stimulate downtown revitalization. Developer Sherman Associates and The Duluth Playhouse joined forces to transform and manage the facility. The Duluth Playhouse will now oversee the NorShor Theatre and its culturally rich experiences, engaging the regional arts community and featuring world-class events worthy of this restored historic venue.
The result of the $4.5 million renovation project is a meticulously restored 650-seat art deco theater, with giant restored murals on the walls, and a steep balcony high above the stage. Duluth envisions the NorShor as the anchor of its newly-branded Historic Arts and Theater District to help revitalize the east side of its downtown.
“Historic theaters play such an important symbolic role in cities the size of Duluth,” said Ness, who now heads up the Duluth-based Ordean Foundation. “It’s a demonstration of a community’s commitment to its historic past in downtown, but also a commitment to its future.”
Ness and Larson both point to restored theaters in Fargo, and the Palace Theater in St. Paul, that they say helped rejuvenate downtowns.
“Restoring the NorShor is the project of our lifetime. It is our chance to save a beloved community icon, bring new vitality to our city, provide space for our world-class performances, create new jobs, and support our local arts community,” said Sandy Hoff, NorShor Theatre Capital Campaign Chair. “The new NorShor will be the cornerstone of the Historic Arts and Theater District (HART) and play a central role in fulfilling Duluth’s vibrant future.”
All photos and renderings courtesy of NorShor Theatre.
See and/or listen to Minnesota Public Radio article by Dan Kraker.