Des Moines Metro Opera presents master facility plan for Simpson College theater; fundraising feasibility next step

Michael Egel, general and artistic director of Des Moines Metro Opera (DMO), told the council April 7 that DMO and Simpson College jointly commissioned a master facility plan for the Blank Performing Arts Center (BPAC) and that the city contributed $15,000 to the study.

Egel said the theater, built in 1970 and owned by Simpson College, shows structural wear and deferred maintenance that affect audience safety and operations. He listed building needs identified by the plan, including roof and water‑leak repairs, electrical upgrades to support modern lighting and broadcasting, stage and fly‑system replacement, secure storage for sets and costumes and improved backstage restroom and dressing spaces.

DMO also reported it stores scenery outdoors under tarps and that thefts and weather damage have occurred. The master plan offers phased renovation options at multiple cost levels; the organization presented the most robust option as what it believes would preserve the venue for the next 50 years. Egel said no determination has been made and that the next step—jointly with Simpson College—will be a fundraising feasibility study to survey private donors, community leaders and grantors over the summer and early fall.

Egel reviewed DMO’s local investments, noting DMO owns the Lauridsen Opera Center and scenic storage buildings and that its 2022 economic impact study showed DMO is a $5.5 million organization producing nearly $12 million in regional economic activity. He said the feasibility study will assess whether a capital campaign could support renovation and that DMO expects any large project to rely primarily on private contributions.

Ending: Councilors thanked Egel; no council funding decision or vote on the study was taken at the meeting.