The Superior Express -

Something that looked nearly impossible in 2012 is about to take a step closer to reality. This week the Superior auditorium committee is expected to select a contractor to install a heating and cooling system in the auditorium space, entryway, balcony and second floor promenade. The contractor has indicated he expects to begin work in mid-February and complete work by May 1. Other sections of the building (bathrooms, kitchen, meeting room) had heating and cooling installed during the first phase of the renovation in 2016. While a conventional heating and cooling was used then, the upcoming work will feature a highly efficient variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system. That system will offer greater flexibility for different temperatures in different spaces within the building.

Work has progressed slowly but steadily in the building since it was acquired from the City of Superior in 2012. Months after getting the auditorium, an adjacent building was demolished and new roof and gutters were installed. In 2016 and 2017 major renovations provided new handicapped bathrooms, a small meeting room and office and a redesigned kitchen space. Fire suppression and fire alarm systems were completed in 2017 and 2018.

In May of 2018, the state fire marshall granted an occupancy permit, so the building could officially be used for events. In anticipation of increased usage, the auditorium space was painted from top to bottom…and events began. In the last several years, interior and exterior lighting was completed. The distinctive Art Deco “globe” lights in the main auditorium space were rewired and are back in use, insulation was added to the “barrel vault” ceiling and new ceiling tiles finished the ceiling in the auditorium in 2020.

Beverly Beavers, president of the non-profit corporation that owns the building, sums up the feeling of the committee when she said, “The Superior Auditorium is a unique building that will provide the community center that our town needs. We need a centrally located place that can be used as a meeting place for individuals to connect and socialize. It is big enough for corporate events, clubs, or a place for other groups to hold fundraisers. It will provide a place where people of all ages can gather and will foster a feeling of community and civic pride.”

She continued, “When we start having more events there, it will improve the economic vitality of our community. As people travel to an event they are likely to bring money to local restaurants, the motel and other local businesses.”

Usage of the building had been increasing each year until COVID made gatherings difficult in 2020. With the addition of heating and cooling, the committee anticipates that demand to increase even more. Sonia Schmidt, committee member stated, “We encourage community members to consider rental of the facility. Several upcoming events are already planned and we hope to add several more events of our own in the summer and fall. Feel free to contact myself, Beverly Beavers or Steve Fox to discuss available dates.”

“Finally,” Sonia added, “as we’ve moved through this huge project, we’ve been gratified with the support of the community and alumni. It is remarkable that we’ve come this far and that is a direct result of that support. When the heating and air is completed, we will have invested more than $950,000 in the building. It is important to emphasize that those dollars are largely donated dollars in amounts large and small. Please consider a donation to help finish this project. Any amount is welcome.” Donations may be sent to P.O.Box 96 and made payable to “The Auditorium” or “Superior Historic Re-Development, Inc.” All donations are tax deductible.

Summing it all up, Beverly stated, “The newly renovated auditorium offers unlimited possibilities for today and for the future of our community.”