Amphitheatre Project

In 2017, ABRA management applied and was the successful recipient for the Federal Community Facility Enhancement Grant for $125,000. This is a matching grant designated to enhance the lifespan and support the creation of public-use community facilities.
Originally, the project was going to expand Auburn House to facilitate more office space, create a commercial kitchen, and expand the existing banquet space.
However, when the project was about to commence, the architect stated that they quoted ABRA on a “warming kitchen” and not a “commercial kitchen”. This oversight would have cost ABRA approximately $65,000 – $85,000 in additional expenses to proceed.
As we did not want to lose the matching grant, ABRA management, and the board quickly pivoted and we changed the scope of work to construct an Amphitheatre in the park, and it was approved by the Federal government.
The Amphitheatre was constructed with the goal of creating a special space where residents can enjoy music in the park, a place to stay warm by the fireplace when their children are tobogganing, special events, yoga in the park, or even their very own wedding.
These types of events and programs would provide an additional revenue source for ABRA.