Block by Block, The Wall Comes Down

The Soo Theatre, completed in 1930, was divided into two movie theatres in 1974 by a sturdy, fireproof concrete block wall. The restoration of the theatre to its former glory had to start with the removal of that wall. Thus "The Curtain Can't Go Up Until the Wall Comes Down" campaign was born, complete with a song composed by Soo Theatre Project board member John Ignatowski.

Follow the story of how The Wall came down this spring. As shown in words, pictures, and even one video, this thrilling chapter in the Theatre's history was made possible through the truly monumental efforts of many local people.

Work on the New Music and Dance Studios Is Underway

Conversion of the Soo Theatre Project storefronts into music and dance studios and a café is underway. New pictures of the demolition and construction are now available online.

Edison Sault grants $35,000 to Soo Theatre Project

From The Sault Evening News, January 4, 2005:

SAULT STE. MARIE - The Board of Directors of Edison Sault Electric Company (ESEC) have responded favorably to a request from the Soo Theatre Project group for a monetary contribution towards the Theatre redevelopment by allocating a grant of $35,000, according to a ESEC release.

"It is a pleasure for me to make this announcement as our board feels strongly that these types of citizen initiatives need the support of the local business community," said Donald Sawruk, president of Edison Sault.

"The Edison Sault Board was also pleased to see that city residents felt strongly enough about downtown development to pass a recent ballot proposal supporting the construction of a new parking facility. The parent company of Edison Sault Electric, WE Energies, is committed to recognizing citizen initiatives within the service area of Edison Sault. Over the past several years, Edison Sault and WE Energies has also contributed to other various public facilities construction in St. Ignace, Hessel and on Mackinac Island."

Sawruk also noted that these types of contributions come from the shareholder profits of Edison Sault and WE Energies and act as a reduction to net income.

"This generous contribution from Edison Sault Electric has given us a bright start to the new year," said Soo Theatre Project President Dianna George. "The project is taking on a life of its own and the growing community support is most encouraging."

"This donation gives us a major piece of the matching funds required for the Cool Cities Grant and also provides seed money for future grants," added Project Vice President Colleen Arbic.

Our December 2004 Brochure Is Now Available

Our December 2004 Newsletter is now available online. A PDF version is also available.

Justin Swims for the Lights

From The Sault Evening News, December 6, 2004:

SAULT STE. MARIE - Local attorney Dyke Justin, 51, in answer to a challenge by the local Rotary Club, swam 30 miles at the Norris Center pool this past weekend in 23 hours, 43 minutes. In a fund-raising effort for the Soo Theater project, the local Sault Rotary Club secured pledges to see Justin do his record-breaking swim. Final numbers on the pledges are still coming in, but the Rotary estimates it to be nearly $5,000.

Justin entered the pool at noon on Friday, and climbed out at 11:43 a.m. on Saturday - a full 17 minutes short of 24 hours. During the swim, he never touched the bottom or got out of the pool. Rotarians were on hand the whole time as official lap counters, and Justin's family stayed with him for encouragement.