How much will it cost to renovate the theatre?

The estimated $7,4300,000 cost to renovate will likely rise to $8,916,000 if bid 2012 when our funds have been raised.

Where will all that money come from?

At least half of the cost should be available from employing federal and/ or state historic and other tax credits. A fourth of the cost should be available from various historical and other grants and corporate/ major donor support. The final fourth will need to be raised locally; a little over $2,000,000. The “Take Your Seat” campaign is designed to raise that amount.

Why has it taken so long to get this renovation started?

The prevailing community attitude toward downtown development was not supportive for a number of years. So we replaced the roof, obtained the lobby and support space necessary for redevelopment and tried to avoid further deterioration. The Heartland Visioning process has made us aware that the Topeka area citizens DO want a vibrant, fun downtown. We’ve also waited our turn while several other high-profile local community projects were undertaken such as Topeka Civic Theatre, The Great overland Station, and The Children’s Discover Center. Now, we believe it’s the Jayhawk’s turn!

Why do we need the Jayhawk since we already have TPAC?

The Topeka Performing Arts Center seats 2,600, but the Jayhawk will seat 900. The Jayhawk will offer a venue for acts and events that can best use a smaller space. Additionally, the availability of our space near TPAC and the downtown hotels will make Topeka a more attractive site for some conventions and events.

Where will we park?

Most of the events likely to draw a large crowd at the jayhawk will be held during the evening and on the weekends when downtown parking is not as congested as during the work-week. Once we have raised suffiecient money to begin construction and have a targeted opening date, we plan to approach local lot and parking facility owners within a 1-block radius to see what kind of arrangements can be made.

Who owns and who will manage the Jayhawk Theatre?

The theatre is owned by a 501c3 (federally tax deductible) non-profit corporation, the Historic Jayhawk Theatre, Inc. The theatre will be locally controlled by its non-profit board overseeing a professional, experienced staff. Some theatres sign up with out-of-state management corporations, but our board believes all generated revenue should remain local.

 What does the renovation of the Jayhawk Theatre mean for downtown revitalization?

We believe it’s the linchpin of downtown revitalization. Many don’t know that downtown entertainment establishments are already drawing crowds on evenings and weekends. We plan on the theatre having something happening every night. Increased downtown activity will be a boost for restaurants, bars, and other shops/ stores.