Wichita’s Orpheum Theatre plans ‘full-scale renovation,’ seeks special sales tax at venue

The Orpheum Theatre in downtown Wichita plans to close for a year while it does a “full-scale renovation” of the historic theater that’s estimated to cost $9 million.

On Tuesday, the Wichita City Council will consider a proposal to impose a 2% sales tax increase at the theater to pay for $1.095 million of the project. That tax, which will come from concessions and ticket sales, will end when that amount is paid.

The other roughly $8 million will come from fundraising.

Orpheum Executive Director Rachel Banning said they have been fundraising and expect to hit that mark, but are not yet ready to share how much they have raised. She said they haven’t decided yet when the theater will close but plan to have more information later this year.

“We are very excited to be in front of city council on Tuesday. This is only part of a big plan that we have been putting together and working on and should have a formal announcement later this year,” she said.

The theater’s website shows events scheduled through much of the year.

“Orpheum is launching a full-scale renovation of the theater,” according to the city council’s agenda. “The project includes demolition, full interior rehabilitation, new seating for both levels, new lighting and audio as well as stage improvements and façade repairs.”

The theater, located at the northeast corner of 1st and Broadway, opened in 1922.

This story was originally published March 1, 2024 at 11:56 AM.