IEDC approves $1.8 million funding for Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne

The Regional Cities funds will cover almost $1.8 million of the Embassy’s costs.

The completion of upgrades to the Embassy Theatre designed to make it a leading venue for arts and entertainment is part of northeast Indiana’s Road to One Million Plan. The long-term regional development plan for the 11-county region aims to attain 1 million residents by 2020.

With the renovation of four floors of the former Indiana Hotel, which sat vacant for nearly 40 years, the Embassy Theatre includes a two-story-high ballroom and rooftop patio, breakout and rehearsal spaces, new administrative offices, classrooms, history center and improved public access and concessions areas.

This project also will create more rental opportunities for the public who have been turned away in the past due to scheduling and capacity limitations.

“The Embassy Theatre is an iconic pillar for northeast Indiana,” said Kelly Updike, the Embassy’s executive director.

She added that “thanks to this final funding, the historic theatre will continue to welcome families for generations to come.”

Northeast Indiana was one of three Indiana regions selected to receive state funding through the Regional Cities Initiative, which will allocate a total of $126 million toward 100 quality of place projects totaling more than $2 billion in combined state, local and private investment.