RBTL Closer to Decision on New Theater
RBTL Closer to Decision on New Theater
February 2, 2010
Bob Smith
ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - The Rochester Broadway Theater League says it's getting closer to a decision on which of three sites will be the home of a new Broadway-style roadhouse theater, to replace the Auditorium Theater.
RBTL President Arnold Rothschild says there is no clear favorite among the three sites at this point. The contenders are the Midtown Plaza block in downtown Rochester, the Lake Ridge Centre complex (formerly the Medley Center Mall) in Irondequoit, and a development near the 390-590 split in Brighton.
Rothschild says the deciding factor will be how construction costs, revenue potential and regulatory approval add up - so that the organization can afford not only to build the theater, but maintain and operate it.
"We want to be so complete in our process that when we make the decision, the entire community looks at what we decided and says 'that was absolutely the right decision'. We can't move forward with any site if it's not possible for us to build there ... if the math doesn't work."
Rothschild says state funding possibilities might also play a role in selection, if it's offered.
Rothschild expects another meeting with Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy about the potential Midtown site in the coming days. He's hoping a decision will be announced some time this spring.
