Kimmel Center Plans Extensive Alterations in Renovation of Merriam Theater

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Kimmel Center has discussed a series of plans in regards to renovating the historic Merriam Theater.

The first major change would be destruction of the seven-story office building and replacing it with residential units in a tower of up to 32 stories. Kimmel Center president Anne Ewers says the reasoning behind this is it would add the possibility of avoiding garnering money through donations, rather revenue could be brought in by selling air rights.

Additional changes include a renovation of the hall and murals within, and updating the exterior. Seats would be widened with more legroom in the rows, and they will be made more flexible to allow for cabaret seating and concert standing room, thus adding to the variety of events the theater could host. The stage may also be widened and dressing rooms will be renovated.

As previously announced, the Kimmel Center is looking for input from the public and the theatre community on necessary renovations and how to make the space more inviting.

"Our goal is to use the community engagement process, including the public discussion, as a way to inform the preservation and development process moving forward," Ewers says. "Our vision for the Merriam is to provide a rejuvenated theater space that also helps support the mission of providing world-class performing arts that serve all of the diverse interests in the Greater Philadelphia region."

For more from the Philadelphia Inquirer, click here.