Phase 1 of NACC theater restoration project is complete

New restroom in place

Niagara Arts and Cultural Center Press Release & Photo

After years of struggle and perseverance, the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center has reached an important new milestone in its restoration and adaptive reuse of the former Niagara Falls High School with the completion of six ADA-compliant toilet rooms on the three floors of the main building.

Since 2018, the NACC board of directors has been diligently focused on the long-term goal of preserving the historic building and promoting arts and cultural experiences to the community.

It took seven years to secure the funding through fundraising events, private donors and philanthropic giving before the $8.5 million restoration of the auditorium and its support spaces could begin.

However, as local community commitment to the project grew, so did the support of regional funders. The viability of community development and economic prosperity through the arts in Niagara Falls became more apparent as the NACC emerged as a community anchor and economic driver.

The New York State Council on the Arts was the first to support the restoration project. It was recently joined by the Regional Revitalization Partnership funders, the New York State Power Authority, and Empire State Development.

Phase 1 was completed in early May for the NACC’s signature fundraiser, “The Art of Beer,” with the opening of the new bathroom to the public. This humble but important acknowledgement will give the NACC the capacity to host large public events in the 100-year-old building. A small ribbon-cutting event took place prior to the annual NACC fundraiser.

Empire State Development WNY Regional Director Karen Utz said, “The NACC renovation project is being supported by a $4 million capital grant from the Regional Economic Community Assistance Program and $426,000 from the Regional Council Capital Fund. We recognize that arts and cultural activities are vital to the economy because they contribute to job creation, boost tourism, and enhance the quality of life for the community. We look forward to seeing the 1,000-seat auditorium restored to its original historic grandeur.”

Brad Dossinger, M&T Bank executive vice president, community reinvestment, said, “At M&T Bank, we believe communities thrive through investment, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Our involvement with the Regional Revitalization Partnership and initiatives like the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center’s restoration project reinforces our longstanding work to foster economic growth and cultural enrichment. By expanding opportunities for our communities to come together, we are not just renovating spaces, we are creating environments where people can connect, express themselves, and flourish.”

Five Star Bank Community Development Director Karla J. L. Gadley said, “At Five Star Bank, we take great pride in our role supporting nonprofits that serve and enrich our communities in meaningful ways. Through its work developing and showcasing the talent of local artists and creators, the Niagara Arts & Culture Center does just that. We’re very proud to support the restoration of NACC, through our partnership with the RRP, and look forward to its continued success.”

Phase two, which will focus on the Legacy Theatre and new energy infrastructure to support the theater, will commence in September with an estimated completion date of fall of 2026.

The Legacy Theatre is the centerpiece of the building and serves as a performing arts venue for Niagara Falls residents, local organizations and performing groups. Structural analysis is underway to consider major changes to the space, as well as plaster repair, new stage lighting and sound equipment, along with additional improvements to transform the space into a state-of-the-art performing arts venue.

During the analysis, programming will continue at the NACC as usual, with live theater, concerts, classes and workshops. For more information on upcoming events, performance space rentals, or festivals at the NACC, visit www.TheNACC.org.

As the largest multiarts center in upstate New York, the NACC hosts a diverse group of 100-plus artists and makers, two public art galleries, two theaters, local history exhibits, a radio station, a certified sound stage and movie production facility, the Niagara Falls High School alumni center, as well as the Starry Night Café.

The NACC is located at 1201 Pine Ave., in the City of Niagara Falls.

Hours for the Townsend Gallery, Kudela Garden Gallery, and permanent exhibits within the building are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, excluding holidays.

Additional information for galleries, exhibitions, and opportunities can be found at www.thenacc.org.

The Regional Revitalization Partnership is a $300 million, comprehensive economic development strategy and public-private partnership that maximizes impact and leverages additional investment for Buffalo’s East Side, Niagara Falls and Rochester. This community-driven, collaborative strategy takes a holistic approach to economic development and is designed to build community wealth through multiple paths. RRP program implementation is led by the Center for Regional Strategies.