Construction on a 8,200 square foot annex to the Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater has officially been completed, just in time for the annual Robeson County Christmas Show. Carolina Civic Center Executive Director Richard Sceiford shared that they received the occupancy permit two weeks ago, allowing those performing in and attending the Christmas show to be the first to enjoy the new space and amenities. 

“It's such a beautiful space. It has added so much room and flow and functionality to what we offer the public. We went from a small, literally, 25 by 12-foot lobby trying to handle ticketing concessions and the crowd movement, to this much larger, 8200 square foot space,” remarked Sceiford. 

The new annex is located on the existing theater’s south side (formerly a City of Lumberton public parking lot), with a pass through into the existing historic lobby. 

“The expansion was designed to be very contemporary and have its own personality while still echoing the historic theater. But it's a great transition, going from the contemporary into the beautiful 1928 historic theater, especially at Christmas time,” added Sceiford.

The addition allows the theater to continue its success drawing people to downtown through expanded capacity and amenities. It also allows the theater to expand its programming offerings to include pre- and post-show receptions, dinner theater and other special events. Expanded amenities include additional bathrooms, a catering kitchen, a bridal suite, a large concession area that doubles as a bar/serving station and a retractable projection screen and retractable projector.

The new Carolina Ballroom will be available for rental events such as weddings, corporate special events and regional meetings and conferences. The ballroom can accommodate up to 260 guests with tables, 390 with chairs or 450 standing. The site also features a fenced patio and alleyway seating area.

The raw cost of construction came in at $3.2 million. Once architect fees, environmental and

furnishings were factored in, the total cost of the project came out to about $4 million, and that cost has been paid in full. With its existing 450-seat theater and dressing rooms and offices, the expanded facility’s total size is 30,000 square feet.

A celebration of the new space and fundraiser for the theater is tentatively scheduled for the spring. More details will be available in the new year.