Opera House undergoing more renovations

HARRINGTON — The 119-year-old Opera House has long been a historical landmark in downtown and has undergone renovations for over 30 years. Renovations started in 1992 and have totaled almost $1 million over 29 years.

But there is still work to be done on the historical building.

President Carol Gaines said a volunteer electrician will rewire, add lights and wall plugs to the rummage area.

Gaines said the most extensive project within the building is stabilizing the south wall.

“Outside if you look…There’s a rather substantial crack running to the upper level to the auditorium,” she said.

She said the crack isn’t new, but has spread in the last few years.

“Coffman (Engineers) out of Spokane came to do the initial inspection,” Gaines said. “Kind of gave us an idea of what we need to do to stabilize the entire wall.”

Talisman of Spokane will do construction, which will close the Opera House tentatively through April.

“They’ll come in here and go through part of the ceiling…To gain access to the floor joists,” Gaines said.

She said the project will be completed in two phases. Phase one will secure and repoint the outer wall where the crack is. Phase two will tie the wall to the floor joists.

“That’s another reason we haven’t gotten real active about scheduling performances this spring,” Opera House Society marketing manager, webmaster and stage operator Karen Robertson said. “We don’t know exactly when that construction will happen and how that might affect it.”

In other renovations, a new vault door will replace the original and has a unique safety release in case someone gets shut in. The vault is on the ground floor, where a bank was once located and will be used to store things like donated quilts, handcrafts and files in a fireproof space.

Roberston said the Society is also trying to update technology in the auditorium, which would include new stage curtains, stage lights and an updated audio system.

“We have to give credit to the volunteers,” Gaines said. “And we would not be here without those who donate.”

The Harrington Opera House Society is a non-profit organization that works to preserve the historical landmark and hosts musical performances.

“We’ve been able to do all the work because of them,” Gaines said.

One of the first performances of the year was Sunday, March 19 when Kevin Hekmatpanah, professor of music and director of the Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra and Washington State University piano professor Yoon-Wah showcased their talents.