Closed school finds new life as community auditorium | Arts & Culture

FINDLAY, OH (Toledo News Now) – The former Central Middle School in Findlay could be buzzing with activity again within a few years.

The building, which was opened in 1923, closed in December. Over the next two years it will be converted to a state-of-the-art 1,000 seat auditorium.  The project will cost about $9.5 million, with an additional $2 million being set aside for an endowment.

“We're excited for the youth of Hancock County to be able to provide a first class performance space,” said Kathy Kreuchauf, a member of the Board of Directors for the Hancock County Performing Arts Center.

Leaders say the University of Findlay and Findlay City School will use the center about 80 percent of the time, with community members using it other days.

“We've already received a lot of positive comments because we really wanted the auditorium to stay in the community,” said Findlay City Schools Superintended Dean Whittwer.

Construction will begin in October, and is expected to be completed within two years.

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