Strand Theatre closes for first phase of renovations

The Strand Theatre, the cultural beacon of Dorchester’s Uphams Corner neighborhood, closed earlier this month to undergo its first phase of renovations.

Improvements are already underway on the back sections of the theater, which include the dressing rooms, as well as some stage support and mechanical systems.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino has made restoring the Strand one of the cornerstones of his tenure. In January, Menino held his annual State of the City address at the Strand and boldly stated, “We are going to save the Strand.”

The Strand opened in 1918 and was once considered Dorchester’s “multi-million dollar palace.” But in recent years, the building has fallen into disrepair.

“[Menino] is committed to the Strand because there are few community theaters left in the city,” said Julie Burns, director of the Mayor’s Office of Arts Tourism and Special Events. “He feels it is important to retain the vitality of the Strand.”

Describing the theater as Boston’s “spirit of community,” Menino explained during his address that the Strand would receive a combined investment of $6 million in funds from the city and private sources.

Efforts to save the theater were already in the works. In 2004, Menino convened a task force for the Strand that researched and surveyed the community on a number of fronts to help determine the needs for capital improvement.

“The Uphams Corner section of Dorchester is a cultural area, and as such we need to take care of it,” said Burns. “The mayor is committed to improving the building, but at this point, the use is limited by disrepair.”

Burns said some shows haven’t been able to function in the historic venue because of its poor condition. However, while the theater is closed, the mayor’s tourism office is developing business programs and fundraising plans for the future.

“Even though the theater is closed, it has given us an opportunity to launch new plans based on the information the task force was able to acquire,” said Burns. “We would like to highlight the theater as an active community arts center for the neighborhood residents, children and adults, identify performances that cater to the Strand’s diverse neighborhood, and draw visitors from all over the state.”

Further news on the theater is still forthcoming, and community meetings are anticipated to convene as renovations progress.

The Strand Theatre is expected to reopen in October 2007.