Momentum, Milestones, & Match Day!
"Momentum begets momentum."
The first few months of 2026 have flown by. Spring has a way of sparking momentum, and right now, that energy is everywhere at Wareham Hall. Maybe it’s construction progress, the excitement building around Grow Green Match Day, or just the extra hours of warmth and sunlight. Regardless, we’re grateful you’re along for the ride! Keep reading for the latest news!
Grow Green Match Day | April 22
Grow Green Match Day is one day when your support for Wareham Hall goes even further. Your gift helps unlock matching support from both our generous donors and the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, increasing the impact of every dollar.
We’re over 90% of the way to reaching our capital campaign goal, and we can’t open our doors without your help. Every gift matters, so please consider supporting us on Grow Green Match Day!
If you’d like to make a more substantial donation, gifts of $1,500, $2,500, or $3,500 will be recognized with a personalized engraved seat plaque in our new 550-seat theater!
a landmark moment
In March, we closed a historic tax credit investment partnership with Landmark National Bank that will bring nearly $8 million in new capital to the renovation! The partnership utilizes the Federal Historic Tax Credit, a program designed to encourage the preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings. Through the arrangement, Landmark National Bank receives federal historic tax credits generated by the project while providing equity investment that helps fund the renovation of the building.
FUNDRAISING UPDATE
More than 90% of the project is now secured through extraordinary community and philanthropic support. Our focus is now on the systems that will transform the building into a true performing arts center. The systems include advanced sound, lighting, and technical infrastructure that will define the experience for every artist and audience member. These investments will ensure Wareham Hall can fully support world-class performances, serve as a second home for K-State’s Music, Theatre, and Dance students, and create an exciting future for the arts in downtown Manhattan.
Construction Progress
BHS Construction continues dirtwork compaction in the main building and demolition of the existing basement slab in the adjacent building. They’ve cut openings in the masonry to connect the two buildings, which is exciting to see!
On the second floor of the adjacent building, we found wallpaper remnants. Each room has different wallpaper, some of which is still intact, and you can see where each room was based on the wallpaper. It was so fun to discover this!
When renovations are complete, this floor will be home to an upstairs lobby/event space and bar, collectively referred to as “The Marquee,” as well as box seating and restrooms.
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
On April 8, 1929, The Manhattan Mercury published an article about how the theater was showing its first “talkie” called The Lion and the Mouse that evening. The article goes on to discuss the newly installed vitaphone equipment, which provided synchronized sound, and other interior updates. Movies playing later that month included The Jazz Singer, The Duke Steps Out, and The Terror.
IN THE NEWS
In case you missed it, every month we’re releasing short articles in The Manhattan Mercury that spotlight different aspects of the project or notable people with ties to the theater. See our latest stories about Dave Baker and Sarah Wareham.
JAM WITH US ON SPOTIFY
Before endless streaming, there were burned CDs or mixtapes—thoughtfully curated and crafted to capture an emotion, chapter of your life, or vibe that you couldn’t quite put into words. We’ll be creating a series of Spotify playlists that honor that bygone era. First up, Ashley, our director of brand and experience, has created a wide-ranging collection of hits that defined her childhood. As she puts it…
"I was between the ages of 6-12 when these songs came out. They were ingrained in my memory because they were on the first CDs I begged my parents to buy for me or played nonstop on the radio while I was singing at the top of my lungs in the backseat. Some are still my favorite songs to this day, and they just put me in the best mood!"
A NOTE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
Momentum is building, and there are many ways to be part of it. Whether you participate in Grow Green Match Day, consider leadership-level support, or engage through our corporate giving program, gifts of all sizes ensure this historic theater once again serves Manhattan for generations to come. I encourage you to consider how you can support this effort and help bring Wareham Hall to life.
– Mary Vanier