[Urbannizer]

Stages announces plan to build a $30.5 million theater complex

Stages Repertory Theatre plans to build a $30.5 million theater complex to bolster its position as the city's largest performing arts nonprofit outside of the downtown Theater District — a move to improve not only the company's artistic freedom, but also provide an amenity for the surrounding north Montrose neighborhood.

The company wants the 66,850-square-foot proposed building, which features three stages and a two-story parking garage, to be more than a theater.

"We want to change this idea that a performance space opens itself for 90 minutes a night," said Managing Director Mark Folkes "We want to, rather, create a dynamic gathering space, where there can be post-performance open mic cabaret."