Cupola Installation Marks Completion of External Renovations to Sterling Opera House
Watch this video to see the cupola being installed and for a very special performance from the stage of the theater! Special thanks to MarkAnthony Izzo for his help with the video On Friday, February 11 the City of Derby reached a milestone in its efforts to restore the historic Sterling Opera House. When workers raised and installed the grand cupola at the top of the Opera House, it marked the end of the exterior renovations to the Opera House. The City will now turn its efforts to the interior in hopes of one day re-opening the building as a performing arts center. In remarks at a press conference in front the the building prior to the hoisting of the cupola, Mayor Staffieri said, " This cupola and the past, current and future renovations have truly been a cooperative effort. I wish to thank Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro for helping to secure funding and continuing to help with the renovations process. I also wish to thank the State delegation, the Valley Community Foundation and other funders for their efforts. This is an example of Derby, the Old Birmingham Business Association, private foundations, state and federal fovernments working together to restore an historical icon for our city and the region. It will take a lot more hard work and effort, but I know it is possible when I see what we have already accomplished. This cupola is a sign of more positive things to come". Staffieri was joined at the podium by state senator Joe Crisco, State Representative Linda Gentile, Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti and Ansonia Mayor Jim DellaVolpe among others who praised the work of the city and expressed the value of the Opera House as a regional cultural asset. The City had completed the foundation work for the new cupola in December, but was waiting for better weather to complete the installation. The work comes just in time for a visit by the "The Ghost Hunters" television series which will be filming at the opera house starting on February 28. In April, 2008, the City had installed the smaller cupola on top of the building. Click here to see pictures from that event. Some earlier stories on the opera house:
Story posted on February 19, 2011 |
