Historic Duluth Theater on Verge of Restoration Project

DULUTH -- A historic theater in downtown Duluth is one City Council vote away from a $30 million restoration project that officials hope could become the hub of the city's historic downtown.

The Duluth Economic Development Authority voted unanimously last week to approve a development agreement to refurbish the historic NorShor Theatre. The Duluth City Council is now expected take up the issue Monday.

The NorShor has taken turns as a vaudeville stage, movie theater, music venue and even a strip club. The plan now is for it to become a performing arts center providing space for The Duluth Playhouse, one of the nation's oldest community theaters.

Mayor Emily Larson says the 650-seat theater will fill a need for a higher-capacity space in Duluth's burgeoning arts scene.