MHRC Commits $10 Million Toward Restoration of Cincinnati's Iconic Music Hall

The Music Hall Revitalization Company (MHRC) announced today a major $10 million commitment toward the renovation and restoration of Cincinnati's iconic Music Hall from the Lindner Family. That act of generosity inspired Harry and Linda Fath to double their $2 million commitment toward the project to $4 million, leaving a $10 million funding gap of the $125 million goal to cover construction costs.

Music Hall's foyer will be appropriately renamed in honor of Mrs. Edyth B. Lindner once the project is completed.

"My husband Carl and I have shared many wonderful memories of the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra in Music Hall," said Mrs. Lindner. "With the restoration of this beautiful building, future Cincinnatians can develop their own memories. I am so very honored to be a part of the renovation of Music Hall."

"Music Hall and the Cincinnati Pops in particular have been a passion of our mother's," Mrs. Lindner's sons Carl, Craig and Keith said in a joint statement. "A beautiful concert hall and a great orchestra are essential for a vibrant community, and we're proud to support her efforts to ensure these important assets thrive in Cincinnati."

"Music Hall hasn't undergone a major renovation in over 40 years. Urgent repairs are needed to ensure its future," said Music Hall Revitalization Company President Otto M. Budig, Jr. "The cost of waiting -- until damage is worse and repairs are more costly -- is too great. We are so grateful for the Lindner Family and their critically important commitment to the project that has already inspired others and that we hope will continue to inspire more giving."

MHRC also announced today that the fundraising campaign is approximately $10 million from its goal and public support is needed to close the gap in time for the construction to begin in 2016. Contributions will be received at gcfdn.org or by sending a check to the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, 200 West Fourth Street, 45202, attention Music Hall Revitalization.

"Additional fundraising will be required to endow maintenance and upkeep of the 137-year old facility, and to help Music Hall's resident arts organizations with transition costs during this major renovation and restoration," said Mr. Budig. If the construction fundraising is successful, Music Hall will be closed for renovations from June of 2016 until September of 2017.

In December of 2013, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation and the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation guided the creation of an independent community task force that investigated the best courses of action to preserve two of Cincinnati's most iconic gathering places - Cincinnati's Union Terminal and Music Hall. From the Cultural Facilities Task Force grew a public movement to save both buildings that received nationwide attention after the National Trust for Historic Preservation named both structures to its list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. In November 2014, voters overwhelmingly supported a sales tax levy to fund the renovation of Union Terminal. Music Hall's support has come largely from private donations, including today's announcement.

"We would not be here today without the incredible leadership of Tim Maloney and Bob McDonald in securing the initial $40 million to move this community project forward," said Murray Sinclaire, chairman of the Greater Cincinnati Cultural Facilities Task Force, which has played a leadership role in driving fundraising and community support for the restoration of both Music Hall and Union Terminal. "We are also grateful to the tax payers of Hamilton County for their support, and now with this gift from the Lindner Family, we have a very small hill to climb to finalize all $331 million needed to complete both projects and secure their future for generations to come.

"The Lindner Family has generously supported the Cincinnati Pops through the years, providing critical funding for everything from national television broadcasts to tours," said Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra President Trey Devey. "Mrs. Lindner has been a true champion of the Pops and a great friend to the Orchestra. She recognizes that this renovation of Music Hall is critically important to the future of the performing arts in Cincinnati. The Lindner Family has again stepped forward with a transformational gift and a challenge for this community to protect and preserve something truly extraordinary."

The Music Hall Revitalization Company is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and renovation of historic Music Hall in Cincinnati, Ohio.