14-05-2025
Niagara Arts & Cultural Center moving forward on theater restoration
Niagara Arts & Cultural Center officials say they have reached an important milestone and are pushing forward in their ongoing restoration of the former Niagara Falls High School at Pine Avenue and Portage Road.
A recent celebration centered around the completion of six ADA-compliant toilet rooms on the three floors of the main building. This humble but important improvement gives the NACC the capacity to host large public events in the 100-year-old building.
The project was completed in early May for the NACC's signature fundraiser, the Art of Beer, and two of the restrooms were opened to the public. A small ribbon-cutting event took place before the important fundraiser.
The next phase of the restoration will focus on the Legacy Theatre and new energy infrastructure to support it. Work is expected to start in September and be completed next fall.
The Legacy Theatre is the centerpiece of the building and serves as a performing arts venue for Niagara Falls residents, local organizations and performing groups. Structural analysis is underway to consider major changes to the space as well as plaster repair, new stage lighting and sound equipment, along with additional improvements to transform the space into a state-of-the-art performing arts venue.
During the theater analysis, programming will continue at the NACC as usual, with live theater, concerts, classes, and workshops.
For more information on upcoming events, performance space rentals, or festivals at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center visit
Since 2018, the NACC Board of Directors has been diligently focused on the long-term goal of preserving the historic building and promoting arts and cultural experiences to the community.
It took seven years to secure the funding through fundraising events, private donors and philanthropic giving before the $8.5 million restoration of the auditorium and its support spaces could begin.
However, as local community commitment to the project grew, so did the support of regional funders.
The New York State Council on the Arts was the first to support the restoration project. It was recently joined by the Regional Revitalization Partnership funders, the New York State Power Authority and Empire State Development.
The NACC renovation project is being supported by a $4 million capital grant from Empire State Development's Regional Economic Community Assistance Program and $426,000 from the Regional Council Capital Fund.
Karen Utz, WNY regional director of Empire State Development, said, 'We recognize that arts and cultural activities are vital to the economy because they contribute to job creation, boost tourism, and enhance the quality of life for the community. We look forward to seeing the 1,000-seat auditorium restored to its original historic grandeur.'
'Our involvement with the Regional Revitalization Partnership and initiatives like the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center's restoration project reinforces our longstanding work to foster economic growth and cultural enrichment,' added Brad Dossinger, M&T Bank executive vice president, community reinvestment.
Five Star Bank Community Development Director Karla J. L. Gadley said, 'At Five Star Bank, we take great pride in our role supporting nonprofits that serve and enrich our communities in meaningful ways. Through its work developing and showcasing the talent of local artists and creators, the Niagara Arts & Culture Center does just that.'
