The world famous Agora Theatre and Ballroom has been a staple of Cleveland's nightlife since its birth as the Metropolitan Theatre in 1913. The venue has played host to iconic musicians like Lou Reed, the Clash, Duran Duran, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, Nine Inch Nails, GWAR, The Police, U2, Patti Smith, Smashing Pumpkins, The Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake and Cleveland's own Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, just to name a few.
It was announced just under a year ago that entertainment giant AEG Presents, LLC would be restoring the 2,000-capacity theater (and 600-capacity ballroom with renovations to the entire building including updates to its sound and lighting systems, hospitality areas, backstage quarters and customer amenities.
New air conditioning and heating units have been installed, the old bars have been replaced, bathrooms have been renovated, security and safety has been updated, that god-awful wood flooring was torn up to reveal the original tile and phone batteries will finally stop draining during shows because Wi-Fi is finally available.
The renovations are somewhat bittersweet, as the gritty locale and structure beaten with years of rock and roll added to its charm. However, the aging building was beginning to deteriorate into something that would actively turn guests away.
Sure, there's something inherently punk rock about using the women's restroom and praying to all that is holy that you don't actually make contact with the toilet seat, but once show-banners and beer advertisements are being used to cover holes in the walls, it's time for some for some repairs.
Thankfully, while renovations did include the load-in areas for bands and other events, the infamous brick wall adorned with decades of signatures has been untouched, and the history of all who have come to play still remains.
The unveiling of the new and improved Agora Ballroom and Theatre is set for Thursday, July 19, but AEG Presents has released a series of photos showing the remarkable work overseen by Justin Miller, the project manager for the Agora's renovations.
Say goodbye to the walls coated in years of cigarette smoke, booze and debauchery, because this ain't your granddad's Agora anymore.
Courtesy of AEG Presents
The first floor bathrooms before renovations
