Winnipeg Construction VIII

[CoryB]

My thinking for The Burt is a new lobby/backstage area would be created along Ellice where the rental car place is currently located. The advantage of this space over the over (north) side is that it could largely be accomplished without alternating the existing, historical building. Based solely on the age of the building I am sure a modern backstage area would make it more attractive to performers. The bulk of the expanded space would be a new lobby to increase alcohol sales and just make the whole process more pleasant much like the Main St addition did for Pantages.

One has to wonder a little though if True North/Longboat might have shot themselves in the foot a little as an improved lobby at The Burt would be one block east of the two CentrePoint retail spaces that seemed ideally suited to the pre/post theatre crowd with perhaps some nice restaurants/lounges. Those same spaces would have been one block away from MTS Centre too. Is it too late to change the plans again and add them back in?

That said, even the parking alone in the True North controlled CentrePoint lot would benefit from having more events at The Burt.