The Woodward Development Corporation will be hosting tours through the Woodward Opera House, America’s oldest authentic 19th century theater, during the 2011 Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival, held August 11th through the 14th.

Guides will be available to explain the progress of the project to date and explain the mission and objectives of the organizations promoting the restoration project.

Situated at the corner of South Main and Vine Street in the heart of downtown Mount Vernon, the Woodward Opera House (built in 1850-51) occupies the third and fourth floor of the Italianate style historic commercial building.  Mount Vernon’s own Dan Emmett was one of the many performers who graced the theater stage during its time.

The project to restore the Woodward to its 1880s configuration and re-open it as a 21st century performing arts venue began in 1998 and has been divided into 8 phases.  Phase 1, 2 and now 3 are complete, as the exterior renovation was finished in 2007.  The Woodward exterior now has its original look back.  This year the conversion of all occupied spaces to geothermal heating and cooling continues with development of a water well and replacing natural gas with geothermal units in two more locations.  This initiative lowers operating costs and the capital cost of the project.  It also reduces the Woodward's carbon footprint and will aid our effort to become LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified.  Phase 4 will begin as soon as the balance of funds are raised to move forward with that portion of the project.  Approximately $2 million towards the $6.6 million needed for Phase 4 has been raised.

Come see the results of the recent work. Visit during the Festival and  you will (1) learn what the team has learned about the 1884 layout of the theater, lobby and entranceways; (2) see the preliminary plans for restoring the Theater to its 19th century appearance and for enabling its use with twenty-first century requirements and amenities; (3) see plans for renovation of the rest of the Woodward and Annex buildings for them to become a leading cultural and performing arts venue in central Ohio; (4) experience the completed restoration of three downtown Woodward building store interiors, and our 80 seat blackbox theater, ThePlace@TheWoodward; and (5) get a complete explanation of the recent completion of the exterior restoration work.

The Woodward Opera House will be open to the public all four days during the Festival.  If you have questions concerning the Woodward, you can visit the historic site during the Festival.  For additional information on the Woodward, call 740-392-6142 or visit their web site at www.TheWoodward.org.