Wilson Center Renovation Project is underway

After more than a decade of wishing and dreaming, renovation work at the Wilson Center Auditorium in St. Johns is officially underway.

All 376 of the “old” wooden-style seats on the main floor have been removed, and restoration is in progress on half of that number; painting and refurbishing the interior will begin soon; installation of new carpeting is planned – and fund-raising efforts are in full swing.

“This auditorium is a gem with great acoustics, sightlines and intimacy,” says Bill Tennant, committee member of the Wilson Center Renovation Project. “It’s the best performance venue in the county, and when restored will be a treasure for our community that can be used by many different groups.”

Clair Deveau, a St. Johns High School graduate with a historical renovation background, helped the committee during the planning phase. When the new, upholstered seats are put in place next month, audience members will be able to sit in comfort during theatre performances, concerts and an assortment of other community events and functions.

Community theatre returned to the Wilson Center last spring with the production of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” and there’s more to come after renovations are completed.

“We want to present two productions a year and need a good facility for the shows,” says Beth Webb, one of the directors of the musical and co-chairperson of the committee. “The St. Johns High School auditorium and the middle school auditeria are in such demand by the schools that they are not an option for us – the renovated Wilson Center Auditorium presents us with a wonderful space for our shows and audiences.”

Lighting and sound improvements are also being addressed as the committee plans for a first class facility, fully restoring the auditorium to its original grandeur in front of the curtain, while updating the technical aspects behind the curtain.

Seed money for the planning phase and the start of actual renovations came from funds raised three years ago during the St. Johns City Sesquicentennial when the theatre troupe performed “A St. Johns Home Companion” at the Wilson Center Auditorium.

The current fund-raising campaign allows donors to “purchase” restored auditorium seats for $250 each. Seat sponsors will have their name engraved on a plaque that will be attached to the seat. The committee is working on identifying individuals, groups and businesses to sponsor the 376 main floor seats.

“Raising funds is critical now,” committee co-chairperson Tom Webb says, citing a November 1 timeline for the re-installation of the initial 188 restored seats in the auditorium. “We need to get individuals and groups involved right away by sponsoring one or two seats – or a row of seats.”

Individuals or organizations interested in sponsoring seats or making a donation to the Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Project should make checks payable to “St. Johns Schools Foundation for Excellence;” all donations are tax deductible. Checks should be mailed to: The Wilson Center Auditorium Project, P.O. Box 331, St. Johns, MI 48879.

Donors should include their name, address and telephone phone number, along with the number of seats being sponsored and information on wording for the seat plaque(s). The plaques have room for up to two lines with 25 characters and spaces per line.

“This project is all about building community – about elevating the quality of life in our mid-Michigan area,” Tennant says. “Many outstanding events will be presented at the Wilson Center Auditorium for years to come.”

For detailed information or questions, call Tennant at (989) 224-8159.