From the news release:

The path is now clear for the historic NorShor Theater to again become a focal point for Duluth arts and entertainment activities with the Duluth Economic Development Authority’s completed purchase of the NorShor Theater, Temple Opera building, and Norshor Annex.

Today, Mayor Don Ness announced that DEDA closed on the purchase of the buildings from Eric Ringsred and said plans are already underway to reestablish the NorShor Theater as an important part of the downtown waterfront district.

“This is a great day for all who love downtown Duluth and who support local art. We have seen tremendous progress in recent years in Old Downtown. A vibrant NorShor will support the private investment that has already happened and will help establish downtown as an arts and entertainment destination,” said Mayor Ness. “Our partnership with the Duluth Playhouse is the key. Their passion for the arts, their expertise in managing a theater, and their positive reputation in the community will help ensure the success of the NorShor.”

The Mayor said that during the next few months the theater will be cleaned and repaired, operational details will be formalized, and then in the fall the new NorShor’s first full season of entertainment will begin.

Christine Gradl Seitz, the Duluth Playhouse’s executive and artistic director, said the Playhouse is looking forward to helping return the NorShor to its former glory.

“We’ve already begun working with other Duluth arts organizations to start putting a management and marketing plan in place,” said Seitz. “Soon, and for many years to come, the NorShor will be home to everything from opera and plays, to live music and more.”

Mayor Ness said another benefit to the community with DEDA now owning the properties is that the city will be able to cost-effectively extend the Downtown Skywalk system to the Sheraton Hotel and SMDC, which the city is contractually committed to completing in a timely manner.

All existing leases with tenants in the NorShor Annex and Temple Opera Building will remain in place. DEDA will consider a contract with Oneida Realty to manage the facilities at their June 16 meeting.