Centrum, one of the nation’s preeminent non-profit organizations providing creative arts experiences to learners of all generations, has announced a new grant from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) to support restoration work on the Joseph F. Wheeler Theater at Fort Worden State Park.

The $53,694 award will be matched by the Sage Foundation, enabling up to $107,388 worth of restoration and repairs. The focus of the project is twofold; 1) urgent repairs to the brick exterior of the 1932 historic theater to include replacement of 150 fractured or spalled bricks due to normal wear and tear through the years, along with an overall waterproofing treatment, and 2) minor elective electrical service upgrades to streamline backstage event production.

Centrum has chosen Masonry Restoration Consulting, of Lake Stevens WA, to do the work on the exterior, which is expected to be completed by the start of Centrum’s summer season. Competitive bids are under review now for the electrical work.

The theater will remain open and in use without interruption. Centrum’s next event in the theater is April 11 with Poetry on the Salish Sea, followed shortly thereafter by its popular Choro workshop and performances, beginning April 24. Tickets for Centrum’s summer season go on sale April 15 for donors and May 1 for the general public. Complete information about Centrum can be found at www.centrum.org.