Varscona Theatre

Varscona Theatre is located in the Edmonton historic district of Old Strathcona and has been a vital venue for Edmonton’s arts and theatre scene since 1982. The building—originally a fire hall built in 1956—was recently assessed and determined to need major renovations.

Williams Engineering was involved in the consultation of mechanical and electrical engineering for the redevelopment of Varscona Theatre. Changes to the theatre will preserve some of its old-world architectural charm, including the original fire tower, while 671 square metres of new space will be added to increase the lobby size, provide rehearsal space, and increase the seating capacity to 200.

Some of the theatre’s new redevelopment includes LED stage lighting that will reduce energy consumption as well as reduce the amount of cooling required in the facility. Further upgrades include a completely new and energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that will offer improved comfort and acoustic conditions for the theatre chamber.

Funding for this project was made possible by provincial, federal and municipal levels of government and through public donations. The estimated construction value is $7.5 million. Construction was completed in April of 2016, and the facility reopened to the public on June 2, 2016, for the first performance in the renovated facility.