OCVB reviews TheatreWorks renovation plans as board weighs available funds

Staff updated the O'Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau on Oct. 22 about revised design plans and next steps for O'Fallon TheatreWorks renovations, and several board members urged caution about possible cost overruns.

Jennifer and other staff reviewed three plan variants (labeled 6a/6b and 7a in the design set), explaining that 6a/6b place the sound booth elevated (preserving audience flow and about 10 seats) while 7a puts the sound area on the main floor and would reduce seating. The renovation focus includes flexible dressing rooms (curtain systems) and a concession approach using wheeled refrigerated kiosks to avoid permanent enclosed concession spaces.

Staff said the design is close to final and that the next step is to go out for construction bids; they aim to have a construction contract in place by year-end and then encumber funding. Board members noted that the total project estimate previously discussed was about $250,000–$260,000, while the board had allocated $165,000 in the current budget for construction. "I am concerned that given the scope of this project that it might ultimately exceed the amounts that we've allocated," one member said, and requested staff identify additional funding sources and keep the board updated.

Staff said equipment purchases (chairs, curtains, lighting) remain under consideration and may be purchased separately or included in the construction contract depending on bidding outcomes. Next steps: staff will meet with the architect to finalize design, put the construction work out to bid, and return to the board with cost estimates and any proposed budget adjustments.