Civic Center improvement to begin next week

The first phase of renovations at the Idaho Falls Civic Center for the Performing Arts will begin Tuesday, June 26.

The facility will be closed for the summer to allow work crews to begin an extensive renovation. It is expected to remain closed for construction through October.

Most of the work will focus on the interior of the building including new carpet, walls and celings, as well as paint and flooring. New seating will also be part of the work.“This is a beautiful facility that means a great deal to our community,” said Arthur Kull, chairman of the Idaho Falls Civic Center for the Performing Arts Committee. “The seats alone are more than 64 years old and are well past due to be upgraded. These improvements will help maintain the integrity of this beautiful facility and help it be enjoyed by young and old alike for many, many years to come”

Big D Construction was contracted to do the work. It is funded by the city of Idaho Falls and from a donation from longtime resident and philanthropist Bill Maeck.

Additional upgrades to the outside marquee and interior lighting may also be undertaken if funding allows.

Two additional phases of renovation are expected to follow in future years, focusing on “back of house” operations and then improvements and upgrades to the lobby and “front house.”

The Civic Center was originally built with funding from a bond issue in 1952.