M Builds Selected as the Contractorforthe Next Stage project, Magnus Theatre

M Builds Partner Peter Belluz said that his company’s goal is to construct a facility that will serve Magnus and the arts community well into the future.

“M Builds is pleased and excited to be selected as General Contractor for Magnus Theatre Next Stage project. Many of the M Builds staff have been supporters of the theatre over the years and we now look forward to working with the Magnus Theatre team, Form Studio Architects, Consultants and Subcontractors, to turn their vision of The Next Stage into reality”.

The Next Stage project is funded in part by the Government of Canada, FedNor, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, the Ontario Trillium Fund, the Thunder Bay CEDC, and TBXI.

Magnus Theatre is excited to announce that M Builds has been selected as the Contractor for the Next Stage project.

Magnus Theatre undertook a competitive procurement process, following which M Builds has been selected to construct the Next Stage expansion for Magnus Theatre.

Magnus Theatre has thrived in its first 51 years as Northern Ontario’s only professional theatre. Demand is growing exponentially for both programming and facility rentals, but upgrades are vital to extending possibilities within the community. The Next Stage is a major infrastructure project launched to restore, upgrade, and expand this unique facility to meet emerging needs of the community and to maximize Magnus Theatre’s impact as a cultural and economic force.

Executive Director Alexis Rowlinson said that Magnus Theatre looks forward to working with M Builds and Form Studio Architects to realize this landmark project. “The opportunity to work with an experienced and committed local contractor to build the Next Stage is an important step toward the achievement of this project which will increase our economic and social impact and benefit the community for decades to come.”

The project will see the addition of a 125-seat Studio Theatre, expansion of the Production Shop, renovations to the

Bar and Lounge, and building improvements, all while maintaining the Heritage features of the landmark Central School building.

Construction will begin in the coming weeks, with site and foundation work scheduled for Spring 2023.