“There was a joyful noise coming from Music Hall Thursday as state officials announced the city’s historic arts venue won a $25 million tax credit to help with a planned $123 million renovation,” write Bowdeya Tweh and Dan Horn in Thursday’s (12/18) Cincinnati Enquirer. “Supporters have been struggling for months to fill a gap created when it was dropped from a county-wide sales tax, known as the ‘icon tax.’ Music Hall officials say the award means they still need another $20 million to $25 million, but they’re confident they can raise it from private donors and other sources.… The award was intended to help what the state calls ‘catalytic’ projects that not only preserve historic buildings but also boost the local economy…. Music Hall is home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Pops, Cincinnati Opera, May Festival and, eventually, Cincinnati Ballet. If all project funds are lined up, construction could begin in September or October on ‘back of the house’ projects. Leaders do not expect construction to interfere with the Cincinnati Symphony and May Festival’s seasons, which are slated to end in May 2016. Construction would then be launched on Springer Auditorium—Music Hall’s centerpiece—and other pieces of the restoration. Work is expected to be completed in September 2017.”
Posted December 23, 2014
