MEYER THEATRE CORPORATION ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT PLANS THAT WOULD ENSURE THE THEATRE’S EXISTENCE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

GREEN BAY, WI, June 6, 2007 —

The Meyer Theatre Corporation announced today that it plans to make another part of the Meyer Theatre dream a reality by developing the property it owns at 111 S. Washington St. into a mixed-use, nine-story office complex.

To be known as The Grand Union, the development of the former Daily Planet property is a means for the Meyer Theatre to ensure the historic theatre’s existence for future generations.

“We’ve often said that the reopening of the theatre was a dream restored. Now, this new development of property owned by the Theatre Corporation can keep that dream alive,” said Paul Jadin, President of the Meyer Theatre Board of Directors. “We are making this announcement to assess the viability of this project and believe we have a significant head start based on the enormous amount of pro bono time going into it, and the fact that the only beneficiary of the development will be the community.”

The impetus behind the business complex is simple – to further enhance the longevity and financial livelihood of what’s affectionately referred to as the “people’s theatre.” The Meyer Theatre is exceeding expectations from an operational standpoint, and the board believes that now’s the time to act on the former Daily Planet site to ensure the theatre’s future financial well being. The plans propose a unique mix of development to include a restaurant to cater to theatre attendees and designating another floor for exclusive Meyer use for artist receptions, dinners, etc., with convenient access to and from the theatre.

“The redevelopment is pivotal to the theatre’s ability to best serve theatre-goers’ needs,” noted Julie Lamine, theatre coordinator for the Meyer Theatre. “We’ve had the need for this type of venue for a long time. Last year, the Meyer Theatre brought more than 50,000 people through its doors. The development is intended to broaden the entertainment experience for theatre attendees, benefiting them, the downtown district and the community as a whole.”

The development proposes selling or leasing space on the other floors to interested businesses, offering the atypical option of purchasing floors or leasing suites of 1,500 square feet or more. “This makes the development viable for businesses of all sizes,” noted Jadin.

Conceptual drawings and artists’ renderings of the nine-story building have been developed by Selmer and Company and Raasch Associates, Inc.; Steve Seidl and Associates is serving as the commercial broker on the property. The proposed building will boldly command attention, as the corner of Washington and Walnut is one of the most highly traveled intersections downtown. As will its name, The Grand Union, which pays heed to the days when trolley cars often traveled these streets.

“What The Grand Union offers to businesses that other developments do not is the strong and very purposeful connection to the Meyer Theatre,” noted Seidl. Not only does the building offer beautiful views of Lambeau Field, both horizons, the river and the bay, but also the unique combination of a business setting with convenient access to the Meyer. Whether it’s to attend business meetings and presentations or to enjoy an art exhibit at lunch in the lobby, the connection to the Meyer is ever present. “I’m confident that this and the price point viability will draw investors,” he said. “Because the Meyer Theatre Corporation is a nonprofit, we can offer very competitive pricing.”

And yet the development will allow the corporation to solidify the Meyer’s presence for future generations by paying off the theatre’s debt.

“We’ve been planning this development for years to ensure our rare gem – the Meyer Theatre – is healthy and viable long after we’re gone,” added Jadin.

The Meyer Theatre is a member of the League of Historic American Theatres, an international not-for-profit network of people and organizations that promote the rescue, restoration, and reuse of historic theatres and other heritage buildings to serve communities. The theatre is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.