Stages Repertory Theatre unveils plans for $30.5 million theater complex

The proposed design for the Gordy, Stages Repertory Theatre's $30.5 million new theater complex. View from D'Amico St. The proposed design for the Gordy, Stages Repertory Theatre's $30.5 million new theater complex. View from D'Amico St. Photo: Courtesy Stages Repertory Theatre Photo: Courtesy Stages Repertory Theatre Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Stages Repertory Theatre unveils plans for $30.5 million theater complex 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

Stages Repertory Theatre plans to build a $30.5 million theater complex to bolster its position as the city's largest performing arts nonprofit outside of the downtown Theater District — a move to improve not only the company's artistic freedom, but also provide an amenity for the surrounding north Montrose neighborhood.

The company wants the 66,850-square-foot proposed building, which features three stages and a two-story parking garage, to be more than a theater.

The plan by Gensler, an architecture firm known for modern, open-concept workspaces, aims to buck traditional practices while promoting contemporary trends in architecture. Rather than develop entirely from the ground up, the construction will reclaim an unused art warehouse located at 800 Rosine St., across D'Amico Street from Stages' existing home, and retain the warehouse's polished stone floor and exposed ceiling for an industrial-chic look. The garage and the two main theaters will be built adjacent to the warehouse.

Plans for a big move have been in the works at Stages since 2015. In May of 2016, the group purchased the lot at 800 Rosine St. This fall, the theater company had raised $20 million toward its $30.5 million goal when a gift from Glenda and Russell Gordy pushed the organization to announce the project.

The couple, longtime fans of Stages and owners of a range of properties along Buffalo Bayou, has pledged $5 million to match every donation for the building, which will be called the Gordy.

Stages is currently located at 3201 Allen Pkwy., the historic Star Engraving Building that has served as the company's home since 1985. The company is in plans to sell it to a buyer who aims to preserve the structure.

To read the full story, visit HoustonChronicle.com.