Thalia Mara Hall is expected to reopen its doors to the public in mid-January as Jackson leaders work to bring the facility up to par amid a myriad of health hazards.
The capital city venue has been shut down since August after mold was discovered in the facility. The city’s indoor air quality assessment confirmed that microbial activity was present likely due to a faulty heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system as well as roof leaks. Human waste was also found in the balcony area.
However, there is optimism from Emad Al-Turk, the head of the firm contracted to conduct the remediation process at Thalia Mara Hall, that the theater will be up and running right after the new year begins. The tentative reopening date is January 18.
As remediation ensues, the city has since received a new air chiller for the facility. Another chiller is anticipated to be delivered to the venue as efforts are exhausted to figure out the root cause of the mold.
Additionally, lead and asbestos were discovered inside Thalia Mara Hall as repairs were being made. Officials note that an outdated fire curtain, which has been in use for 65 years, will be replaced due to the presence of asbestos.
The facility’s roof will also be repaired due to “significant leaks” and work will be done to ensure that there is proper drainage of water from within the building, per Al Turk.
The set date for the venue’s expected reopening comes as a breath of fresh air in Jackson as a swath of performances have been canceled.
