The Norway Opera House was rebuilt after the Great Fire in 1894 and stands proudly in the center of historic Norway, Maine. Over the years, it had fallen into disrepair. The Town of Norway recently acquired the building through an eminent domain process and a generous $200,000 donation by Bea and Bill Damon.

 

The Norway Opera House is now undergoing rehabilitation after recent extensive stabilization work. Rehabilitation includes high-impact energy improvements with little or no impact on existing historic features. These strategies include installing insulation around the retail spaces, improving electric lighting efficiency, upgrading the mechanical systems, installing double glazed storefront glass and permanently repairing the rear wall.

 

The Town of Norway has received a grant from the Communities for Maine's Future in the amount of $400,000 for rehabilitation. The Town transferred ownership of the Norway Opera House to the non-profit Norway, Maine Opera House Corporation, Inc. The NMOHC will borrow $400,000 from Norway Savings Bank, to be paid back, in part, by using eligible rehabilitation tax credits. The NMOHC's part of the loan repayment is $300,000, a conservative investment given its long term value.

 

Through a combination of an organized capital campaign and multiple grant applications, the  Norway Opera House will be saved for future generations.

 

Nov 1, 2012 Adertiser Democrat Article

 

For more information, email or call Bruce Cook.

norwayoperahouse@gmail.com  | 207-890-7920

 

A project of the
Norway, Maine Opera House Corporation, Inc.

 

Please make your

tax-deductible donation to help

save the Norway Opera House.

The Opera House in 1906, from a postcard published by G. W. Morris, Portland, Maine.

In 2003, Maine Preservation listed the Norway Opera House as a "Most Endangered Historic Property."

The back of the Norway Opera House showing damage to the roof. (Photo by Leslie Dixon, Sun Journal)