Worcester Center for Performing Arts

[jeepcj85]

City cinema slated for extensive rehab

Federal Sq. site has theatrical history

By Bronislaus B. Kush TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

...But since 2002, a nonprofit organization founded by two local men, Edward P. Madaus and Paul J. Demoga, has been working on a plan to rehabilitate the building into a performing arts center. The group wants to restore many of the elements that were incorporated into the building when it served as home to the old Poli theater in the early 20th century.

The group is trying to raise about $17 million for the project and crews have been tearing up portions of the interior to expose ornamental features that had been hidden in previous makeovers.

[oliver]

They are talking about this project for a while. It would be great if something finally is going to happen. The place looks terrible from the outside, but I've heard it is beautiful on the inside. I drove by there yesterday and it seems like there is some construction going on at the facade of the building. It is in a great location on main street and there are some upscale condo developments going on in walking distance (e.g. http://www.beaconplace.net). This would give the area an additional boost. It is really exciting how many projects are going on in Worcester right now.