GREEN BAY (WLUK) — A Green Bay elementary school that closed in 2024 as part of the district’s right-sizing efforts will soon reopen as a theater and cultural hub.
Piecing together a production like the Sound of Music is a lot of work on its own, but having it be ready while building a new theater is the challenge Evergreen Theater is currently taking on inside the former Keller Elementary School on Green Bay’s west side.
Shuttered Green Bay school transforms into arts and culture hub led by Evergreen Theater (WLUK)
“We’ve been moving pretty much every weekend since right after Christmas,” said Tricia Adams with Evergreen Theater.
The nonprofit organization of 40+ years had been at St. Norbert’s Webb Theatre, but the group purchased the Keller building a few months ago for $725,000.
“The stage is actually going to be on the floor,” said Adams. “The audience is going to be elevated on risers.”
With the theater in the gym, Evergreen intends to use most of the building’s first floor, but has already started to lease out the school’s other spaces to other arts and culture nonprofits.
Mark Steuer is looking at space in the school for the Northeast Wisconsin Music Hall of Fame — a passion project he’s been working on for several years.
“We’d be looking at famous people that were in those counties over time,” said Steuer, saying the facility would cover a 19-county region.
The plan is to feature a variety of music genres, but Buddy Holly memorabilia would be prominent.
“My goal is to make this the international destination for Winter Dance Party fans, aficionados from the ’59 show,” said Steuer.
“We want people to be able to celebrate the community and celebrate Green Bay, and I think that would be a wonderful addition,” said Adams.
While those negotiations continue, Evergreen is focused on being ready for Sound of Music‘s opening night coming up Feb. 12.
As for Buddy Holly fans, a Winter Party tribute concert is being held Saturday at Riverside Ballroom.