FARGO — Despite structural issues that led the city of Fargo to deem The Stage at Island Park "unsafe" in December, Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre's home will remain standing.
“Please understand that we are not tearing down the building nor are we moving to a different location,” FMCT Executive Director Eloise Breikjern said in a press release, quelling rumors that the building would be torn down or abandoned. “The building is standing and we will be replacing the roof, trusses, and rafters, along with the catwalks. Our plan is to make improvements to the theatre building that will benefit the production value and your experience at the theatre.”
The Stage at Island Park, 333 Fourth St. S., suffered damage on Dec. 13 when a beam in the roof cracked. One day after the discovery, the city of Fargo deemed the building dangerous, requiring staff and all productions to vacate the building immediately.
On Dec. 19, specialty contractors began stabilizing the roof and later determined that the roof, structural beams and catwalks needed to be replaced.
“FMCT is currently waiting for the final report from the insurance company to determine the next steps,” Breikjern said.
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After the building was evacuated, some items including ethernet cables, heavy work tables, countertops, shelving and machinery had to be left behind, Breikjern said.
FMCT has temporarily relocated its business office to its secondary location at Studio 6 Broadway, 6 Broadway N. All remaining productions in the 2019 and 2020 season will go on as scheduled in new venues, with several locations not yet determined.
The theatre's next play, "Little Women," will be performed at Moorhead High School starting Friday, Feb. 7.
FMCT may be reached at info@fmct.org or 702-235-1901 to answer further questions or coordinate a donation. Monetary donations can be made at https://hometomefmct.org/ .
