Wichita Orpheum Theatre renovation project in the works

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Wichita City Council will consider a CID (Community Improvement District) to improve the historic Orpheum Theatre at 1st Street and Broadway on Tuesday.

According to city documents, the Orpheum is preparing to launch a full-scale theatre renovation. The project will include demolition, full interior rehabilitation, new seating for both levels, new lighting and audio, stage improvements and façade repairs. The renovations will cost $9.5 million, and the theatre will have to close for a year.

The nonprofit has submitted a CID petition for $1,095,000 in special assessment financing and includes a 2% CID sales tax.

If the council accepts the petition at Tuesday’s meeting, a public hearing for the item will be held on April 2 to consider approval of the project.