Status Update #3 – February x, 2022
Greetings Auburn Community and Auburn Avenue Theater Patrons:
The City of Auburn has been providing status updates on the Auburn Avenue Theater (see Update #1 & #2 below).
We are now in receipt of the formal structural engineer report. The report outlines structural damage concerns that identify potentially unsafe conditions to occupants of the building. The opinion from the structural assessment notes there are multiple building elements that pose a potential risk if not addressed. Given this information, the Auburn Avenue Theater will remain closed.
All scheduled performances for the remainder of the performing arts season (through August 2022) will be either moved or cancelled. Patrons that have tickets for performances during that timeframe will be contacted separately for information about specific performances. As shows are moved, rescheduled, or cancelled, we will update the City’s website with the most current information at auburnwa.gov/theater.
The City will begin working with our insurance carrier to determine the appropriate avenues for an insurance claim. Once that is completed, the City will then be inviting the public to provide input regarding the next steps for the Auburn Avenue Theater.
The City of Auburn is supportive of the arts in Auburn and understands the value of having an active arts community in the downtown core. Stay up to date on next steps by subscribing to the Auburn Arts & Events eblast list or find information at auburnwa.gov/theater.
Status update #2 - 1/6/2022
 Status Update #2 – Sent January 6, 2022
Greetings Auburn Community and Auburn Avenue Theater Patrons:
The City of Auburn provided an update on the Auburn Avenue Theater on Monday, January 3, 2022. (See Status Update #1 below)
A structural engineer was on-site at the Auburn Avenue Theater on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. In light of the preliminary visual structural assessment, all scheduled programming at the Auburn Avenue Theater for January through mid-March will be cancelled. Patrons that have tickets for performances during that timeframe will be contacted separately for information about a change in venue location or a ticket refund.
The City of Auburn is expecting to receive a formal and completed structural report by the end of January 2022 with more information and will assess needed next steps at that time.
We will continue to keep the community updated as we learn the full details from the structural engineer and will provide another update when we receive the final structural report.
 Status Update #1 - Sent January 3, 2022
Greetings Auburn Ave Theater Patrons -
As you may have seen, the Auburn Avenue Theater has been "red tagged". It's a code enforcement term that means we are currently unable to occupy the building out of an abundance of caution.
In July 2021, a fire at the Max House Apartments in downtown Auburn completely destroyed the apartment building and several businesses. That building sits adjacent to the Auburn Ave. Theater. The Max House building was demolished over the course of several weeks in December 2021.
While the Auburn Avenue Theater did not share a wall with the demolished building, it is important that the structural integrity of the Auburn Ave. Theater is evaluated to ensure its safety for the public, performers, artists, and all that use and love the building.
The City of Auburn is hiring a structural engineer to determine what, if any, next steps are needed to ensure the building is safe to occupy. We will continue to keep you posted on the status of the facility.
We are excited to continue supporting the Arts in Auburn and look forward to continuing the BRAVO Performing Arts Season that has been scheduled in 2022 with as few disruptions as possible.
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