The Liberty Theatre, home of Little Theatre on the Bay, begins construction of 1,512 square foot addition. On July 21, 2015, Little Theatre on the Bay began the restoration of the historic Liberty Theatre in downtown North Bend by inviting noted theatre preservationist George Kramer to inspect the building and determine outside facade improvements. Now, one year later (to the day), LTOB begins the demolition and excavation process in preparation of the construction of a 1,512 sq foot addition to Liberty Theatre with ADA restrooms, family room, and mother/baby nursing area. This addition is part of Phase II, a $633,000 project which includes the restrooms and new seating in the auditorium. It is part of a seven phase, multi-year project that will end with the 100 year celebration the building. Design and construction documents have been prepared by McSwain & Woods Architects, LLP. This addition includes work to be done by West Coast Contractors, Inc. who will be installing a retaining wall utilizing auger-cast pilings along the south property line of Liberty Theatre. Knutson Towboat Company will demolish the old pole barn and excavate the site prior to construction of new ADA restrooms and Les’ Sanitary Service, Inc. will recycle/dispose of metal, wood and concrete materials removed from site. As owners of the Liberty Theatre, Little Theatre on the Bay will be issuing a call for bidding plans to contractors who may be interested in helping construct the new restroom addition. The Liberty Theatre is still several years away from the completion of the restoration project. The restoration team will continue to seek community support and apply for grants to fund the additional phases. These phases and the timeline are described below. Capital Campaign Phases: Phase I – Exterior Façade Repair and Restoration (2015); Phase II – ADA restrooms and new seats (2016 – 20 17); Phase III – Upgrade Lobby and Concession Area (2017 – 2018); Phase IV – New air flow systems and set construction area (2018 – 2019); Phase V – Lighting and Sound Upgrades (2019 – 2020); Phase VI – Expansion-rehearsal space and new dressing rooms (2021 – 2022); Phase VII – Historic Preservation with rooftop domes and neon sign (2022 – 2023). A partnership of local community donations, grants from foundations and including some in-kind donated work has made this restoration possible. Since 1959, the LTOB has operated and managed North Bend’s historic Liberty Theatre as a performing arts venue serving residents and visitors to Coos County. The restoration project is designed to ensure North Bend’s 92 year-old Liberty Theatre’s role as the architectural and cultural hub of the community is preserved and protected in time for the centennial celebration of the building’s opening scheduled for spring 2024. The Little Theatre on the Bay (LTOB) is a 501(c)3 non‐profit organization whose mission is “to cultivate the arts in Coos County.”
