Metropolitan Opera House Adaptive Reuse Study, Grand Forks, North Dakota

The Metropolitan Opera House, built in 1890 as a showplace for a developing community on the Dakota prairie, suffered badly in the decline of the communities central business district between 1940 and 1990, but retained an unique architectural character on its exterior to make it a pivotal point for redevelopment after the flood of 1997.  YHR was commissioned by the Office of Urban Development and an ad hoc committee committed to the preservation of this important landmark structure but seeking advice and direction on its best use and potential costs of restoration.  The study explored a wide range of possible uses and settled on mixed use as a meeting and banquet center, with a grill and bar, with housing on its upper two floors.  The study was used to guide development initiatives of the City and its preservation commission.