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Great strides have been made in our Construction Project and Capital Campaign here at the Ren!  Now, when I peer out the supply closet window from this second story perch, it is likely to see a hard hatted body working from the scaffolding right outside !  Yes, not only are the retaining walls still in place, but the permanent concrete, foundation walls, now surround the perimeter. Waterproofing of these walls has been completed and column footings are in place in the central area.  A second story is taking some shape and gravel backfill is at half height. The floor platform will follow shortly.  Structural steel is scheduled in the next two weeks and joists will proceed, the first week of December. The electricians are following right behind the masons and completing conduit installations.    On the ground, the center of the project looks like a giant mud wrestling pit, as these dedicated workers tromp through the muck to beat the clock and get everything enclosed before the heaviest of winter hits. Activity is at a fever pitch and identifiable areas are taking shape and becoming recognizable.   The outline of a new elevator shaft is prominent.  What a welcome new addition for the Renaissance!  An elevator will allow easier access for all, most especially our patrons who have difficulty navigating the stairs. 

Fortunately, I will be able to continue my voyeurism from the supply closet for several more months as there is a windowed doorway as well, in the main hallway which affords a view.  I peered out yesterday, and practically leapt out of my skin to see through the glass, inches from my own face, a worker placing blocks and cementing them with concrete.  It was quite timely actually as the entertainment here at the Ren was a Pink Floyd Tribute to “The Wall”.  So…… All in all, it’s just another brick in the wall!   Stay tuned!   The days ahead promise some big changes in the appearance of this exciting renovation!  

These are exciting days in the life of the Renaissance and the Mansfield community. It is energizing to envision the new addition and what it will do for our beautiful historic theatre as well as patrons, and visitors to the Ren. This season has been one of the Ren’s finest, specifically from a programming standpoint. Can you imagine what lies ahead with the new space! The old building was demolished on June 28th and since that date, we have anxiously anticipated the first giant shovelful of dirt, beginning the excavation process. That began on September 10, 2008. The gaping hole in the earth that remained after demolition, still is a gaping hole, but the site has been replaced with heavy equipment, workers moving the earth, installing underground electrical and telephone lines and reinforcing safety with fencing and barricades. To ensure everyone’s protection at currently scheduled events, the Renaissance has taken extra precautions to cordon off certain exits in the theatre. Contractors are working closely with scheduling staff at the Ren to accommodate while ensuring security of our valued subscribers, guests, and staff. Movements in and out of the Renaissance are carefully orchestrated so that the show does indeed go on!

The supply closet on the second floor provides me with the best site observation in the house! Looking directly down, I am able to catch a view of the changes as they are evolving.

Keep your fingers crossed that this unseasonably warm weather continues and we can enjoy rapid progress before the snow flies! Stay tuned for bi-weekly updates of the Renaissance Construction Project!

This new section of our website will keep you updated with what’s happening with the Imagine project!  We’ll update it a couple of times a week, and you can also register and ask questions.  Enjoy!