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Avon Theatre seeks $500,000 from Stamford to finish $14 million renovation focused on ADA and education space
Summary
The Avon Theatre told the Stamford Planning Board it has raised about $11 million toward a $14 million renovation and is requesting $500,000 from the city to fund ADA accessibility, an education center and historic preservation work, saying the grant and private fundraising have already secured most of the project.
Peter Gussnick, executive director of the Avon Theatre, asked the Stamford Planning Board on Nov. 5 for $500,000 to help complete a $14 million renovation of the historic downtown theater.
Gussnick told the board the nonprofit has raised about $11 million of its $14 million goal, including a $2.4 million state grant, and is seeking a city contribution primarily to fund ADA accessibility, an education and community center and preservation of the building’s historic marquee and facade. "We respectfully request $500,000 from the city of Stamford to help complete the veil we created and continue to deliver public benefits," he said.
The renovation would add a third 48‑seat screening room, modernize projection and sound systems, install an elevator and accessible restrooms, and create a multipurpose education space for student workshops and community programming. Gussnick said the project timeline anticipates construction beginning in January 2026 with reopening targeted for early 2027.
Gussnick emphasized local partnerships, including planned collaboration with Stamford Public Schools and cultural organizations, and framed the city contribution as catalytic — a local commitment that helps unlock larger state and foundation support. Board members asked for clarification about which project elements city funds would support; Gussnick said the request would be used across ADA, the education center and historic preservation, and noted that partial funding could be beneficial but the organization’s request is for $500,000.
Next steps: The board received the presentation and asked for materials showing the financing stack and budget breakdown to be circulated with the planning board materials.
