For immediate release: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

A $250,000 grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce will help fund restoration of two Ellendale Opera House store spaces and replacement of the dilapidated store façades fronting Main Street.

The Tourism and Community Enhancement grant was announced November 25 and work on renovation of the storefronts is expected to begin in the spring.

The renovation work will bring the Annex space (adjoining the Lobby & Gallery) and the former Coleman Clothing store space up to the point where those spaces can be leased to interested businesses or organizations.

The improvements would include new bathrooms in the old Coleman space, plus new electrical, heating and ventilation equipment and a new rear entrance to serve the Coleman space.

O.P.E.R.A., Inc. – the non-profit organization that owns and operates the historic building – will contribute more than $150,000 to the restoration project.

Meanwhile, O.P.E.R.A.'s 2025 annual fund drive has reached $100,000 in private contributions. The "Gaining Momentum" Fund Drive will continue until the end of the year.

To donate, mail your contribution to O.P.E.R.A. at P.O. Box 334, Ellendale, ND 58436, or donate online at: www.ellendaleoperahouse.com/donate.

Contributors can direct their support for special naming/sponsorship opportunities, such as the restored Annex, upstairs auditorium, stage rehabilitation or restoration of the Main Street windows.

Donors at all sponsorship levels will be recognized by having their names – or the name of someone they wish to honor or memorialize – listed on a permanent display mounted in the opera house lobby. For naming/sponsorship opportunities, contact Justin at 701-535-0347.

Contributors of more than $300 between now and December 31 will receive a newly designed opera house mug.

O.P.E.R.A. – Organization of People in Ellendale for Restoration of the Arts – was formed in 1992 to save the Main Street landmark from the wrecking ball. Because O.P.E.R.A. is a charitable non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Visit our Facebook page for restoration, building updates: https://www.facebook.com/groups/122667311149139/

The Ellendale Opera House and its services are available to all persons without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or physical or mental disability. O.P.E.R.A., Inc. is an equal opportunity provider.