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Appel Center reports growth, $4.7 million capital work and $678,000 in PILOT payments to York
Summary
Todd Fogdahl, president and CEO of the Appel Center for the Performing Arts, told council the center held about 445 events and engagements with 72,000 guests last season, has invested $4.7 million on recent capital work and has contributed $678,000 in payments in lieu of taxes to York City since 2015–16.
Todd Fogdahl, president and CEO of the Appel Center for the Performing Arts, briefed York City Council on Jan. 7, 2024 about the organization’s 2023–24 season, capital work on the Strand and Capitol theaters, education programming and centennial plans for the Strand Theatre.
Fogdahl told council the Appel Center presented roughly 445 events and engagements to more than 72,000 guests last season. He highlighted growth in education and community engagement: the organization increased its school- and youth-focused programming and hosted what he described as dozens of workshops and performances that served local students and school groups. Fogdahl said the Appel Center donated 758 tickets last year through a program he called Community Connectix to 49 community organizations, 26 of which are based in York City.
On capital work, Fogdahl said the Appel Center has invested $4,700,000 over the last two years on renovations and maintenance, including HVAC replacement, reroofing, accessibility upgrades for doors along George Street, and renovated concessions, restrooms and dressing rooms. He said the theater complex is in the middle of a three-year capital renovation program in preparation for the Strand Theatre’s 100th anniversary on Aug. 27, with a planned free community day on Sept. 13 and a centennial gala on Sept. 20.
Fogdahl also told council the Appel Center has made payments in lieu of taxes to the city; when asked by the council president about the updated number, he said the total is $678,000. He noted the local economic impact of performances, saying a typical guest spends money at nearby restaurants and businesses before or after shows.
Council members thanked Fogdahl for the update and for educational and community programs, and a council member asked for confirmation of the PILOT total, which Fogdahl provided.
