Chandler Center for the Arts will be closed from June 14 to Oct. 15 for a $3.1 million facelift designed to “enhance comfort, accessibility and the patron experience.”
The project involves replacing theatrical seating, installing new carpet and epoxy flooring, and upgrading the lighting for floors and chairs. Seats will be renumbered to improve wayfinding and better support patrons and volunteer ushers.
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“The seating and flooring throughout our three theaters are original to the building, with more than 36 years of use and wear,” said Michelle Mac Lennan, Chandler Center for the Arts general manager.
“This renovation allows us to elevate the patron experience while making important investments in the core systems that support our artists, staff, volunteers and community.”
Costs for the project are paid by the City of Chandler and offset by the Chandler Unified School District. The improvements were identified in a 2019 facilities assessment.
“This is a multiple-phased renovation that we have been doing over the last several years,” said Terri Rettig, Chandler Center for the Arts assistant arts center manager.
“We have managed to stay open for the other phases, but this one is going to need a full closure due to the electrical [work].”
Previous renovation projects include: the lobby in FY 2019 ($358,000); the gallery and box office in FY 2020 ($450,000); the backstage restrooms in FY 2024 ($735,000); and the HVAC in FY 2025 ($970,000).
The center’s three theaters — Steena Murray Mainstage, Hal Bogle Theatre, and the Recital Hall — will be closed, but programming will still be available at alternate locations.
The free summer concerts featuring Valley-based bands from June to August will take place at the Chandler Community Center, while Ballet Under the Stars will perform from July to August at an TBA location in downtown Chandler.
Further details about off-site performances and community engagement programs will be shared as the renovation period nears.
The concert truck, which features classical and big band music, will return for a third year with free performances at multiple downtown Chandler locations.
“We are going to remain active while the building is closed,” Rettig said. “We are going to do community engagement events, like Ballet Under the Stars in early October. We’ll also host the concert truck for pop-up performances in the community.”
Besides visible upgrades, the renovation will also focus on essential systems that keep the facility running smoothly. This includes maintaining fire sprinkler systems, theatrical rigging, and electrical infrastructure.
The Chandler Center for the Arts is planning a grand reopening on Oct. 17 in conjunction with the 2026 Center Stage Gala. A community open house will be scheduled for mid-October as well.
Chandler Center for the Arts
250 N. Arizona Avenue
Box Office: M – F: 10 am – 5 pm; Sat: Noon-5 pm
