For more information about the Grand Opera House restoration campaign, please contact the Business Office at 588-4356 or write:

The Grand Opera House Foundation
P.O. Box 632
Dubuque, IA 52004-0632

This campaign is designated for the restoration project, and restoration gifts are not used for day-to-day operations.

On Friday, November 2, nearly 150 donors and friends of the Grand celebrated the successful conclusion of the restoration's first phase. Called the Grand's First Act, the festive evening included music, a preview of Nuncrackers, and an overview of the continuing restoration plans.

The curtain will officially close on Act One of the restoration work later this month as the facade stonework is completed (December 2001). Act Two plans for the project include:

	Iron and glass entrance canopy
Spanning the three entrance archways, the canopy will protect patrons from inclement weather yet still preserve the facade's commanding historic look.
	Lobby
Monumental oak entrance doors with overhead transoms, decorative painting, and new concession and box office areas will create a welcoming entrance. A very generous gift has ben given to this portion of the project by the Jeld-Wen Foundation in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Bartels.
	Stair foyer
New carpeting, wall treatments, and chandeliers will add to the ambiance.
	Fly space & stage renovation
Installation of a new fly space, stage rigging, and a powered lift for the orchestra pit will allow the Grand to expand its offerings of professional traveling productions.
	Public restrooms
We all agree...they need improvement!

Fundraising for Act Two is underway. A variety of funding sources, including government, foundations, corporations, and provate individuals, are aggressively being pursued. I'm happy to report that the Grand Opera House Foundation will soon receive over $62,000 for the oak entrance and lobby doors. This grant is from the State Historical Society of Iowa. We are pleased to be one of the 12 organizations selected from out of 32 across the state that applied for this competitive funding program.

In addition, we will receive over $18,000 from a City of Dubuque Community Development Block Grant to upgrade our handicapped-accessible restroom facilities.

So the show goes on as we continue our fundraising work to support the restoration's second act. As the Grand continues to be returned to its original splendor, additional area citizens will be asked to thoughtfully consider lending support to this important project.