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Evergreen Theater gets permanent home in closed Green Bay school

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 18:16 GMT by TMJ4
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Evergreen Theater Finds a Permanent Home in a Repurposed Green Bay School

The long‑shuttered Harris Elementary School, a 1920s brick‑bustle located on South 5th Street in Green Bay, has been reborn as a vibrant cultural hub for the city’s performing‑arts community. The Evergreen Theater, a not‑for‑profit group that has been producing productions, workshops, and community events since 2012, has secured a permanent venue inside the old school building after it was closed by the Green Bay Unified School District in 2018. The transformation, a collaborative effort involving the theater’s board, city officials, and local donors, represents a new chapter for both the theater and the neighborhood.

A Brief History of Evergreen Theater

Evergreen Theater was founded by a group of former high‑school drama students who wanted a space to showcase local talent. The organization began performing in rented church halls and community centers, producing original plays and touring productions for regional festivals. Over the past decade, the theater has grown from a small ensemble to a full‑time professional outfit, featuring more than 25 productions a year and offering educational programs for children and adults.

According to a statement from the theater’s artistic director, Maya Ramirez, “Evergreen was built on the idea that art belongs in public spaces, not private ones. Finding a permanent home was a dream that has now become a reality.”

The School’s Closure and the Search for a New Space

Harris Elementary, one of Green Bay’s oldest public schools, closed after a decline in enrollment and a lack of funding for necessary renovations. The city’s Department of Buildings had to decide how best to preserve the historic structure. The decision to allow Evergreen Theater to occupy the building was made during a city council meeting in March 2021. The theater’s board presented a detailed proposal that highlighted the potential for the building to become a cultural asset rather than a vacant lot.

City officials, including Councilmember James O’Connor, noted that “the adaptive reuse of Harris Elementary aligns with Green Bay’s vision for revitalizing downtown and creating community hubs.” The decision also received support from the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce and the regional arts council, which saw the project as an opportunity to strengthen the city’s creative economy.

Renovation and Funding

The transformation of the former school into a professional theater space required a careful blend of historic preservation and modern functionality. The renovation team, which included local architects and volunteers, focused on restoring the original brickwork and windows while installing a state‑of‑the‑art stage, lighting rig, and sound system. The building’s central auditorium was reconfigured to provide tiered seating for up to 400 patrons.

The project was funded through a combination of public grants, private donations, and a matching campaign. Key funding sources included:

• Minnesota Arts Initiative Grant – a $75,000 contribution that covered stage construction and lighting equipment.
• Green Bay Community Foundation Grant – $30,000 toward sound and acoustics.
• Local Business Sponsorships – $20,000 from a consortium of area restaurants and retail shops that saw the theater as a community pull‑factor.
• Crowdfunding Campaign – “Evergreen Home” raised an additional $25,000 from residents, patrons, and alumni.

The city provided a low‑interest loan for $50,000 to cover unexpected construction costs. In total, the project’s budget was approximately $350,000, with the theater’s board pledging $40,000 in its own funds.

Community Involvement

Volunteers played a crucial role in the renovation. The theater’s outreach director, Benita Nguyen, recounted that “over 300 volunteers, many of whom were theater students, helped with painting, carpentry, and even set design.” In addition, the local school district allowed the theater to use the gymnasium as a rehearsal space for several months, fostering a partnership that will continue with the youth drama program.

The first season in the new space, scheduled for September 2023, will feature a mix of contemporary plays, musical productions, and a showcase of student work. The theater also plans to open the building to the public as an event venue for community gatherings, such as town hall meetings and local festivals.

Future Vision

The theater’s board has ambitious plans for the new venue. They aim to expand the rehearsal spaces to accommodate up to 10 productions simultaneously and to develop a full‑time training program for young performers. The board also sees the space as a potential incubator for local arts startups, offering affordable studio space and collaborative opportunities.

“We’re not just opening a theater; we’re opening a platform for emerging artists and a meeting point for the community,” Ramirez said. “The historic building is a testament to Green Bay’s resilience and adaptability.”

In Conclusion

The Evergreen Theater’s move into the repurposed Harris Elementary School marks a significant milestone for Green Bay’s cultural landscape. It exemplifies how adaptive reuse of historic structures can invigorate communities, preserve local heritage, and foster the arts. The collaboration among city officials, local businesses, and community volunteers demonstrates a collective commitment to supporting creative endeavors and strengthening civic identity.

For more details about Evergreen Theater’s programming, upcoming events, or volunteer opportunities, readers can visit the theater’s official website or contact the Green Bay city arts department.