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Auburn to anchor downtown arts district with new Auburn Avenue Theatre, park and public art
Summary
Mayor Nancy Bacchus and city arts officials outlined plans for a new Auburn Avenue Theatre — part of an arts district that will include a downtown park and public artwork — saying construction is underway and the venue is expected to open in 2027. Funding comes largely from outside grants and city project management.
Auburn Mayor Nancy Bacchus said the city is building a new Auburn Avenue Theatre that will anchor a compact downtown arts district, with construction already under way and an expected opening in 2027. "This project is about more than just a building," she said, calling it a place for "local artists, families, young performers" and community gatherings.
Allison Hyde, the city’s arts supervisor, said the theater will sit adjacent to a planned downtown park that will feature large-scale public art and be integrated with the Postmark Center for the Arts. "It's going to be such an incredible gathering place and nexus of energy for the community," Hyde said, describing the park and public artwork as central to the city's placemaking strategy.
Jim Kleinbeck, Auburn's theater program coordinator, described technical features city officials expect to add: a house of roughly 290–310 seats (he referenced "about 299" in conversation), a larger stage, new lighting and sound systems and backstage amenities including dressing rooms and a green room. "The first three rows are removable," Kleinbeck said, noting that removable seating will let the venue accommodate standing-room configurations for tribute or concert-style events.
City staff and the guests emphasized the project’s broader economic and civic benefits: Hyde said the new facilities will increase evening foot traffic, expand programming for all ages and create more opportunities for local artists and youth. Hyde also noted extensive grant-writing and outside funding were critical to the project’s budget and delivery, and credited project management by city staff (project lead named as Matt in the program) for keeping the timeline on track.
The episode also referenced a signature public artwork planned for the park — the Gathering Tree by artist John Fleming — and described a vision of coordinated programming between the Postmark Center and the new theater, including pre- and post-show events and expanded camp offerings.
Officials thanked regional partners who hosted theater programs while Auburn's venue was offline; Kleinbeck singled out Green River College for providing temporary performance space. Mayor Bacchus also acknowledged legislative supporters, including Representative Chris Stearns and the late Eric Robertson, for advocacy and assistance securing funding.
Construction remains in progress. City officials urged residents to watch the municipal theater page for formal announcements and programming schedules; the city continues to finalize season lineups and technical commissioning before setting a firm public opening date in 2027.
