Auburn Avenue Theater Update: As of February 8, 2022:
In July 2021, a fire at the Max House Apartments in downtown Auburn completely destroyed the apartment building and several businesses. The Max House building, which was just south of the Auburn Avenue Theater, was demolished over the course of several weeks in December 2021. At the end of December 2021, the Auburn Avenue Theater was "red tagged" which is a code enforcement term that means we are unable to occupy the building. A structural engineer evaluated the Auburn Avenue Theater on January 4, 2022. The report outlines structural damage concerns that identify potentially unsafe conditions to occupants of the building. The opinion from the structural assessment notes there are multiple building elements that pose a potential risk if not addressed.
Given this information, the Auburn Avenue Theater will remain closed. All scheduled performances for the remainder of the performing arts season (through August 2022) will be either moved or cancelled. Patrons that have tickets for performances during that timeframe will be contacted separately for information about specific performances. As shows are moved, rescheduled, or cancelled, the content below will be updated with the most current information about the performance. The City will begin working with its insurance carrier to determine the appropriate avenues for an insurance claim. Once that is completed, the City will then be inviting the public to provide input regarding the next steps for the Auburn Avenue Theater.
The City of Auburn is supportive of the arts in Auburn and understands the value of having an active arts community in the downtown core. Stay up to date on next steps by subscribing to the Auburn Arts & Events eblast list or find information below.