PRESERVE THE LEGACY
ENRICH THE FUTURE
FAIRMONT OPERA HOUSE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
We stand at the most pivotal moment in our 125 year history.
For over a century, the Fairmont Opera House has been the beating heart of our community, echoing with the laughter and applause of audiences, the sound and energy of performers, and the shared experiences and fellowship of generations past. This campaign aims to honor our rich legacy by investing in its preservation.
ENRICHING THE FUTURE
Fairmont Opera House isn’t merely a venue; it’s essential to the lifeblood of our community. It’s where countless memories are etched into its walls and where people from diverse backgrounds come together to revel in the transformative power of live performance.
In this space, generations have gathered, and future generations will create new memories.
REQUIRED FUNDS
$4 MILLION
Without the required funding by the end of 2025, The Fairmont Opera House will permanently close.
Repair
Repair the roof and its supporting structures to ensure the building is structurally sound.
Restore
Restore the facility’s historic interior to operational conditions.
Reopen
Restart programming within our newly repaired and restored facility to enrich the lives of future generations.
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COMMUNITY VOICES
Ned Koppen
Fairmont Economic Development Authority
“The proposed improvements align with industry best practices and standards, reflecting a commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. By investing in these necessary repairs and renovations, the Fairmont Opera House will preserve its historic character and create a safer environment for patrons, performers, and staff. I’ve personally volunteered my time in support of this project due to the social importance of the availability [of] quality cultural entertainment for the aging population of this small rural community.”
Brian Ruschy
Construction Consultant & Project Manager
BR Construction & Consulting, LLC
Brittany Hartman
Executive Director
Visit Fairmont
(Fairmont Convention & Visitors Bureau)
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PROJECT TIMELINE
2002-2003
PREVIOUS ROOF REPAIR
- Crack in ceiling and wall noticed by Executive Director Michael Burgraff
- Roof held up by cranes on the outside of the building.
- Steel structures and cables were installed in sections of the bearing points of the structure of the roof
2017
- Fairmont Opera House was the beneficiary of Marlin Milbrandt’s estate and received $1 Million.
- Where did the money go? read on!
- $350,000 of the Milbrandt funds were put into long-term investments and became an emergency fund.
2018
- Part of the Milbrandt funds were used to purchase the lot South of FOH and demolish the buildings
2020
- The COVID-19 pandemic forced closure of many Theater venues, but not us! Thanks to our emergency fund. While we were unable to host any patrons within our facility, we took a hard look at our aging building and realized that we should focus on rehabilitating our space again.
- Part of the Milbrandt funds were also used for other facility improvements while we were unable to host patrons such as: New stage lights, Footlight Lounge Renovation (carpet, paint, custom bar, railings), Dressing Room Renovations, Painting and plaster repair within the Theater, HVAC improvements.
- Another part of the Milbrandt funds were utilized to pay for reports, including the Historic Structures Report, from Hammel, Green, and Abrahamson detailing what work should be done to repair the facility and what level of priority all projects require.
2022
- Part of the Milbrandt funds were used to purchase the building East of FOH in 2022 where the offices now reside.
2023
START OF CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
- FOH limits in facility operations
- FOH notified that if under snow load, additional live loads, or strong winds, the building shouldn’t be used
- Final show Pamyua in FOH theater
- December: Scaffolding put in place to secure the building through fundraising
2024
- FACT presents: Mary Poppins: $4 Million capital campaign officially announced to public.
2025
- Funding is required by the end of 2025 to avoid permanent closure.
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FAQ
You are on the historic registry and you’re a non-profit, are there grants available for you?
FOH has received $375,000 from the state of MN through the MN Historical Society outside of the Capital project. These grants cap at $100,000 per project. The project that you apply for must be completed within 12 months and is only available once per year. This project is projected for longer than 12 months since we cannot begin repairs without appropriate funding.
Many federal-level grants that may fit the FOH project require “state” or “national” designation on the National Register of Historic Places. FOH has a “local significance” that we received in 1980 at around the same time that we became a non-profit organization.
How can I help? I can’t give a lot of money but I want to help but it doesn’t feel like it will do much.
You don’t need money to help us (although money would definitely help!). Raising this amount of money will take a village so every little bit helps! Here are some ways that might be more manageable for you!
- Create an online fundraiser via facebook, instagram
- Talk to your neighbors and friends about our cause
- Host a fundraiser with a friend
- Car wash
- Lemonade stand
- Bake sale
- Rummage sale
- Share other fundraisers that are going on in the community or that FOH is hosting. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to get the word out about our cause.
GIVE NOW
ART
CULTURE
MUSIC
THEATER
LIVE
Box Office Hours:
Tuesday-Friday
9:00am-2:30pm and 1 hour prior to Event
*Doors Open 1 Hour Before Event, House Opens 30 mins Before Event
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