Lars hockstad biography

Last month, filmmaker Michael Moore volunteered to raise money to upgrade the venerable Lars Hockstad auditorium at Central Grade School.

It’s a noble concept, given the need for more performing arts spaces in the region. But how much needs to be done? How practical is the plan? And what would it cost?

The Ticker got answers from TCAPS officials and Traverse City event planners familiar with the aging Lars Hockstad.

“She needs a systems overhaul, but the body of the room and space is in great shape,” says Sam Porter, founder and owner of Porterhouse Productions, producer of festivals, concerts and events.

Porter grew up a block from Central Grade School and fondly remembers going to concerts, high school battle-of-the-bands, plays and other performances at Lars Hockstad. “Back in the day,” he recalls. “It was an active and somewhat vibrant theater.”

“The big ones [needs] are new seats, power, rigging points and front-of-house soundboard space with cable snake under seats to stage,” he says. “Other additions would be green room space, a new stage floor or extensions, depending on TSO needs, house lights, film screen, etc.”

The Traverse Symphony Orchestra has performed for years at Lars Hockstad, but that’s changed recently, according to TSO Executive Director Ed Downing.

“We are doing so less frequently now as our patrons have indicated through surveys that they prefer Corson Auditorium and the City Opera House,” he says. Survey respondents’ concerns included uncomfortable seating, unpredictable climate control, lack of nearby parking, and more.

Porter, who has spent many hours analyzing upgrades at Lars Hockstad, estimates the renovation price tag to be $150,000 to $200,000 for starters.

TCAPS CFO Paul Soma says estimates to renovate Central Grade School from a few years ago totaled some $22 million – not including Lars Hockstad. “The Lars remodel would also run into the millions of dollars,” he said. “If such re-modeling were to occur, it would need to be part of a future bond issue, unless of course a community initiative was started similar to the one recently completed for Thirlby Field.”

In that case, over the last decade, the community raised some $4 million to turn Thirlby into a first class venue.

“It's a great example of what can happen when the community partners with the schools,” says Soma.

TCAPS is moving to make contact with the Film Festival Board to learn more about Moore’s announcement, according to TCAPS Superintendent Steve Cousins.

“I believe that school buildings are community assets that can and should be used to enhance the community,” says Cousins. “The Film Festival's use of Lars has been a positive for the community. I think this benefits TCAPS from a PR perspective, but we do not receive any financial benefit from the Film Festival's use.”

Could Lars ever return to its glory as a great venue again?

“Yes, but let it be a youth, young community event space as its main purpose,” says Porter.

If the auditorium could become a successful income generator for TCAPS, maybe the funds could directly help strengthen the arts in schools, he offers.

“I’ve heard it said that a completely renovated Lars Hockstad is the best chance we have for an acceptable concert hall in Traverse City,” says Downing. “Today, it’s but an auditorium.”