Milwaukee Repertory Theater Receives $500,000 Grant

In response to Milwaukee Repertory Theater's announcement that its historic building has experienced significant settling in recent years necessitating immediate repairs, The Herzfeld Foundation has awarded a one-time $500,000 grant toward construction costs. Combined with a $250,000 grant from the United Performing Arts Fund and a $75,000 grant from the Bert L and Patricia S Steigleder Charitable Trust, along with contributions from several individuals, The Rep has secured commitments for more than 50% of the $1.75 million in total repair costs.

"For many years, The Herzfeld Foundation has been a tremendous supporter of our work at The Rep," remarks Milwaukee Repertory Theater's Managing Director Chad Bauman. "Recognizing that any non-profit organization is only as good as the foundation on which it is built, this extraordinary grant from The Herzfeld Foundation will provide much needed resources toward the costs to repair our building's foundation ensuring that our award-winning education programs and inspiring productions will continue for decades to come."

"The Rep is a critical part of our vibrant cultural community," shares Bill Haberman, President of The Herzfeld Foundation. "We need to preserve and sustain it."

As previously announced, Milwaukee Repertory Theater's historic building, which unites all its production shops, theaters and administrative offices, is settling. The original portion of the building dating back to 1897 is supported by hundreds of wooden pilings which have begun to deteriorate. The deterioration began with a drop in Milwaukee's water table which exposed the wooden pilings making them susceptible to rot. At this time, the settling poses no threat to the public or Rep employees; however a permanent fix must occur in the near future. With secured funding, The Rep plans to begin construction to make necessary repairs during the summer of 2014.