Tag: National Register of Historic Places

The historic Chateau Theatre: What was and what could be

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Photos by Julie Sawyer

Community input is and will always be core to the efforts of DMC. This past winter, DMC utilized the vacant Chateau Theatre space for a unique luncheon event during which attendees were invited to share both their memories of the Chateau Theatre and ideas for future use of the space.

They recalled many memories from the Chateau’s days gone by. The theater’s unique décor was the perfect setting to catch up with a friend or enjoy a leisurely cup of joe. Grandparents, parents, and grown children alike read books together in the “castle” and sat on Santa’s lap. Rochester’s own Mayor Ardell Brede took his now-wife of 54 years on their first date to a movie at the theater.

MPR News: City of Rochester buys historic theater with help from Mayo

20150316_chateau-theater_33The city of Rochester has closed on the $6 million purchase of the historic Chateau Theatre.

The theater purchase is considered a Destination Medical Center project, which allows the expense to count toward the city’s $128 million contribution for public infrastructure costs. The Mayo Clinic paid $500,000 of the deal.

Rochester City Council President Randy Staver said it’s still unclear what the building’s long-term use and financial model will be.