The Grand Oshkosh plans expansion project with city help

OSHKOSH, WI- (WISS) – The Grand Oshkosh is set to undertake a $10 million dollar expansion and remodeling project. This week, the Oshkosh Common Council approved a memorandum of understanding that says the city will pay for half of the expansion, and the foundation that operates The Grand Oshkosh will fund the other half. 

“The Grand Opera House board has agreed to match $5 million on a $10 million dollar project to cover half of the cost of the construction,” said Oshkosh City Administrator Mark Rohloff. “And The Grand is committed to doing that.”

Rohloff said the memorandum of understanding is an important part of the fundraising process for The Grand.

“The purpose of the MOU is to really memorialize that fundraising effort. The Grand, in order for them to be successful in a fundraising effort, are going to need to go donors and say ‘The City’s In’ for this. With that knowledge, then they have a better chance at fundraising,” said Rohloff.

The city also agreed to extend The Grand’s lease through 2045.

“This really goes back to the fundraising effort. Because for them just to have a five-year lease, that doesn’t speak well when they’re trying to go out and do fundraising,” said Rohloff. “So the idea behind this is to grant them three extensions which would take it out to the year 2045.”  

Project Details

The project will include a new entrance for ADA accessibility, restoration of the exterior facade, and improved ADA access throughout the building, including inside access for wheelchair users to the Grand Lounge, backstage, and auditorium. The project also calls for creating a secure, accessible entrance to the Grand Lounge and the dressing room areas.

Oshkosh Mayor Matt Mugerauer said he is excited by this project and what it will mean to the city.

“I’m excited for what this facility can do in the Downtown space in terms of activating more space as well as drawing more people into our downtown more days of the year,” Mugerauer said. “It’s an exciting time for The Grand and the arts community here in Oshkosh.”

Work on the expansion will begin when The Grand’s foundation reaches its fundraising goals. It will take about a year to complete. Work could start as early as 2026.

The Grand opened in 1886. The building saw major renovations in the 1980s and in 2009. The City of Oshkosh owns the building.