Important Information About
Your Opera House!

   As supporters of our Opera House, you know that our organization was formed in 1999 as the Franklin Opera House Restoration Committee, with the mission of reclaiming and restoring this vital arts and entertainment center to its former glory. 
   For over 20 years, we have built thriving community and school Arts programs in this historical place. At the same time, the entire building, including all the functions of City Hall, have been operating without proper fire safety infrastructure.
   This comes after over 50 years of "temporary fixes" and fire department warnings that this building needs various repairs and updates to meet fire safety code.  

The time has come for permanent improvements to be made.

 For the last year, at all of our Opera House and theater events, we have paid for Fire Watch to ensure safety, by order of the Fire Department. 
  As the only Performance Arts space in the area, the Opera House has become a critical component of arts education and creativity.  For years, we have had students grow up in the Opera House- literally. Many of those students continue to give back to Franklin as adults.

 *Monday, Feb. 13 at 6 pm.* 
Special City Council Meeting

There will be time for public comment in the beginning and the Council will be voting on a resolution to approve $60,000 to begin a renovation project on the Opera House/ City Hall. The building is proposed to remain a mixed use space to most effectively continue to serve.

This appropriation is only the first step; the Council needs to ultimately approve funding the entire project using a combination of bonds, loans, grants, and donations, and it will require the ongoing cooperative effort between the City and the Opera House organization, so we can maximize funds available to municipalities and arts organizations.

It is through cooperation that the Arts continue to thrive in Franklin

The Council was very supportive at a workshop session last week. We ask and invite ANYONE who understands the value of this space in growing and nurturing performing arts to attend this public meeting on Feb. 13 at 6 pm. Seeing many people in their community in support of preserving the Performing Arts will surely help them all understand how important this is. Your presence will help we can continue to bring solid family entertainment to Franklin.