Groundbreaking set for Ordway concert hall

Groundbreaking is set June 19 for a new Concert Hall at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul.

The Concert Hall will replace the existing 306-seat McKnight Theatre.

Preparations for construction of the new 1,100-seat Concert Hall began in March. Construction began on a three-story production wing to provide dressing rooms, workrooms and offices to support both the Ordway's Music Theater and the new Concert Hall.

The $79 million project will expand the number of available seats across the Ordway's two halls. It also will provide more scheduling flexibility for the four arts organizations that use the Ordway.

The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra will make its downtown St. Paul home in the new Concert Hall.

Demolition of the McKnight Theater will begin in July.

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