The State Theatre located in downtown Sioux Falls is receiving major donations from T. Denny Sanford and the City of Sioux Falls. The historic theater has stood dormant for more than 20 years.
A total of $5 million is being contributed to renovating the State Theatre.
T. Denny Sanford will contribute $3.5 million for interior renovations, and the city will contribute $1.5 million for exterior work.
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken says the opening of the theatre will provide a boost to the city economy.
“You know for retailers and businesses and bars and restaurants downtown, January to April can be a tough time," he explains. "It’s a tough time in our downtown. The weather doesn’t really help us out a lot, and so having a venue where people are going to be able to come downtown every single night and be an economic development draw, and they’re going to eat, and they’re going to shop, and they’re going to have a drink, it’s going to be absolutely an incredible economic boom for downtown.”
Interior renovations include a new sound system and 200 reclining seats on the main level.
The contributions don’t end the need for further fundraising. Executive Director Allison Weiland says in a statement that more donations are needed to fix the second and third floors.
Sanford, who’s providing a majority of the funding, says he looks forward to the re-opening of the theatre.
"When the lights return to the State Theatre, this crown jewel--it’s a crown jewel--will once again shine throughout the entire community. This is going to bring so many people from the state and from surrounding states into Sioux Falls," says Sanford. "I’m just so excited about it. Thank you for the opportunity and thank you for what the state of South Dakota and the City of Sioux Falls has done for me and my organization.”
The newly renovated theatre is expected to open by the spring of 2020.