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SALT LAKE CITY -- Pioneer Theatre Company is preparing to open its new season by welcoming actors, directors and designers from throughout the country. Just in time for their arrival, the company officially opened a new guest house.
Housing for guest artists is the bane of every theatre producer's existence. Here, they will all be in the same place, all a five-minute walk from the theatre and a five-minute walk from restaurants, dry cleaners, pharmacies,-- everything they could want while they're here.
–Chris Lino
The new facility is on the corner of 1300 East and 200 South. Named Meldrum House for its primary donors, it will become home away from home for those who travel to share their talents at Pioneer Theatre Company.
They come from New York, Los Angeles and cities in between, adding their talents to the company productions every season.
Comfortable, even inviting, new housing will make six weeks of rehearsals and performances a relaxing place to stay while they're in town.
"Housing for guest artists is the bane of every theatre producer's existence," said Chris Lino, the managing director of the Pioneer Theatre Company. "Here, they will all be in the same place, all a five-minute walk from the theatre and a five-minute walk from restaurants, dry cleaners, pharmacies, everything they could want while they're here."
Builders preserved the historic architecture because Meldrum House, constructed in 1907, was the first women's dormitory west of the Mississippi.
The developer, Cowboy Partners, managed the upgrade of the structure to 21st-Century housing, and got a positive community response.
"From the city to the neighborhood to the surrounding businesses, everyone has just been so enthusiastic and on board, right from the outset," said Cowboy Partners President and CEO Dan Lofgren.
The renovation cost $2.6 million, all privately donated. The single largest donation came from Cathie and Peter Meldrum, season ticket holders for 25 years.
"We love the theatre and we love the seeing the Broadway-quality shows that Pioneer puts on," said Peter Meldrum. "The artist housing, we felt, was a very important part of maintaining and preserving the quality of the theatre we enjoy so much."
The cast members for the production "Next to Normal" will become the first guests here starting Aug. 21. The University of Utah. will also use this housing from time to time for visiting professors.
Email: lprichard@ksl.com
