Arizona Opera finally has a new home in Phoenix.
The Tucson-born company, though, won't be able to move in until next summer.
The City of Phoenix shelled out nearly $1.8 million for the building, using $1.5 million from the Arizona Opera's cut of a 2006 cultural bond issue. The company received $3.2 million from the bond, which also supported building purchases for Ballet Arizona and Black Theatre Troupe.
The opera's remaining bond funds will be used to renovate the 16,800-square-foot-building at 1636 N. Central Ave., formerly home to Walsh Brothers Furniture. Plans include adding a 4,500-square-foot rehearsal space, said Arizona Opera General Director Scott Altman.
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Meanwhile, Arizona Opera will continue to operate its administrative offices out of its Phoenix building and rehearsing in rent-free space in Mesa. Once the move is complete, the company plans to sell its Phoenix and Tucson buildings to pay down its $3.1 million cumulative debt.
See the full story in Wednesday's Arizona Daily Star.
