As roof repairs on Watertown’s historic Goss Opera House have wrapped up and the adjacent one-block stretch of Maple Street has been reopened, it’s on to the next phase of renovation.
Although there is much work to be done, progress is quite evident on the restoration of the 130-year-old building anchored in downtown Watertown.
Many of the windows have been replaced and an upgraded HVAC system for much of the building is set to be operational sometime early next year.
The second-floor theater still retains its beauty and charm even under the cover of darkness, eagerly awaiting its next performance. That could come as soon as the spring.
“Springtime is our goal for reopening the entire building,” Friends of the Goss Executive Director Missy Sinner said Monday. “The work is going really smoothly.”
That’s not to say there’s a lack of activity outside of construction crew members.
In fact, business is booming at both Coco & Finn and Grace Dance Academy. Meanwhile, Mavericks Steaks and Cocktails is getting ready for its spring opening with its first and second-floor kitchens to cater to both its restaurant customers and guests for events such as weddings.
When the rest of the Goss building is deemed habitable, Coco & Finn will move slightly north to a space within the Goss facing Kemp Avenue. Sinner said other businesses have expressed interest in locating in the space Coco & Finn currently occupies on its Maple Street location.
Those businesses have been placed on a waiting list as FoG evaluates to see if any of those business would complement the existing businesses within the Goss.
“We’re wanting to make sure we have the right fit,” Sinner said.
When it reopens, Sinner and the FoG envision a building that will once again serve as an attractive destination for all ages. In addition to the businesses, the Goss could draw events such as concerts and performances.
“We want this to be a community space,” Sinner said. “I picture people ranging from grade school to those in their 80s and 90s to be able to enjoy the building. Our goal is for everybody to come and enjoy being in here.”
Guided tours can be scheduled by calling Sinner at 605-868-1556. Tours last roughly around an hour.