Buskirk-Chumley box office to undergo renovations

The Buskirk-Chumley Theater’s box office is getting ready to make an impression this fall.

Starting July 18, the historical Bloomington theater’s lower-level box office area will undergo renovations over the course of a month.

During the construction, a temporary box office space will be set up on the theater’s second floor, and tickets can also be purchased online or over the phone.

According to a press release, the project is a collaborative effort between the Monroe County Convention and Visitors Bureau,

Downtown Bloomington, Inc., the City of Bloomington, Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District and BCT Management, Inc.

The box office has grown each year since 2007 and now serves tickets to more than 350 events each year from more than 50 organizations.

The renovations will be helmed by architect Christine Matheu, who plans to replicate the art deco style of the Buskirk’s lobby. She played a large role in the renovations in the 1990s as well.

Plans also include a new and permanent concessions area.

“It’s obvious that the space needs to keep up the demand for our service,” BCTM executive director Danielle McClelland said in a press release. “The renovation will upgrade the look and solve some significant traffic flow issues in the box office and main lobby of the theater.”

Matheu said the box office  design is crucial as the first impression of the theater.
“The new design’s art deco patterns and colors link the box office to the historic features of the lobby while still providing some fun, contemporary aesthetic twists,” she said.

The renovations have received two-thirds of its funding from Bloomingfoods, Oliver Winery, Upland Brewing Company and the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County.

Mike McAfee, executive director of the Monroe County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, said the renovations should improve what is already a Bloomington treasure.

“This upgrade will improve the experience of attending a performance for patrons or for any visitor to the box office,” he said.

— Adam Lukach