Upgrades planned for historic Region venue

Upgrades will include replacing the original wooden seats in the structure, which was built in 1929. Aisles between the seating areas will be widened and handrails added to improve safety for patrons climbing up and down the stairs in the seating area.

Air conditioning will also be installed to allow for more events during the summer when the temperature inside the gymnasium and formal stage on the main level can become sweltering. And, a new heating system will also be installed to replace one of the boilers from the 1960s.

Civic Auditorium Director Brett Binversie said the work is scheduled to begin June 11 and finish Aug. 25.

“We’re trying to make the experience a little better for everyone,” he said.

There are more than 1,000 seats above the gymnasium floor and formal stage.

Over the years, the facility has been used for a wide variety of events, ranging from concerts and shows by major, regional and local performers to circuses, basketball games and the annual Veterans Day ceremony.

After taking office in 2020, Mayor Tom Dermody decided the facility was used too sparingly and sought to bring in more events drawing larger paying crowds. He wanted to make the city-owned facility more self-sustaining and provide additional entertainment options.

The outcome has included several concerts by classic rock tribute bands last year and twice hosting nationally televised basketball tournaments featuring some of the most talented players in the country.

More classic rock tribute band concerts are scheduled to perform in the coming weeks and months.

Dermody believes the original seats — narrow and without cushioning — along with the lack of air conditioning hurt the facility’s ability to reach its full potential.

The new seats will be wider, cushioned and have cup holders to place drinks ordered from the concession stand.

“It’s called progress, and now it’s time,” Dermody said.

Handicapped seating will also be created.

“It’s a win, win for everybody, and we can’t wait for this to occur,” Binversie said.

The building — with an air-conditioned space in the basement for banquets, meetings and other functions — was donated to the city in 1930 by Maurice Fox, the son of Samuel Fox, owner of Fox Woolen Mills and a major employer for decades beginning in the late 1800s.

As a tribute to his parents, the younger Fox had the building constructed to reflect his vision of a facility for use by the general public. He donated the structure to the city in 1930.

To preserve some of the history, Binversie said an attempt will be made to repurpose some of the original seats and use the same color schemes currently inside the gymnasium.

Funding for the work will come primarily out of the $11 million in COVID-19 relief money the city received from the federal government.

“We’ve invested, so now let’s see the return and bring even bigger names people can expect to see right here in LaPorte,” Dermody said.