Memorial Opera House

A proposed renovation of the Memorial Opera House continued to be negotiated by the Porter County Council and Commissioners Tuesday.

The Porter County Commissioners are explaining their reasons for renting out the former sheriff's residence.

The proposed renovation of the Memorial Opera House is further in doubt, with the Porter County Commissioners' plans to lease out the former sheriff's residence.

Funding has once again been pulled from the Memorial Opera House renovation and expansion.

The proposed renovation of Porter County's Memorial Opera House continues to face an uncertain future.

Funding to upgrade the Memorial Opera House is apparently back in Porter County's plans for American Rescue Plan money.

The Porter County Council is holding off on approving the county's ARPA spending plan. The county commissioners approved a plan for much of the county's $33 million share of federal American Rescue Plan money in early August, but it wasn't placed on last week's county council agenda.

Plans to renovate and expand the Memorial Opera House are drawing opposition from a Porter County commissioner. The $6.5 million project would replace crumbling bricks and windows at the Opera House and the former sheriff's residence, and build a connector between the two. A proposal to use federal American Rescue Plan funds to pay for it drew backlash from residents. Now, some county officials want to use foundation money, generated by the interest earned on the proceeds of the hospital sale.

The Indiana Arts Commission's latest grant cycle includes funding for several region organizations.

The Porter County Council wants to move ahead with the renovation and expansion of the Memorial Opera House. Representatives from Schmidt Associates and the Skillman Corporation detailed their $6.5 million plan during Tuesday's meeting.