A historic concert hall in Gardiner is getting a big upgrade that will overhaul their ability to provide entertainment for the central Maine community.

According to our news partners at CBS13, Johnson Hall is set to begin a massive renovation after 5 years if fundraising. The building, originally built in 1864, will feature a new, 400-seat theater on the third floor. That’s in addition to the existing theater on the first floor, which seats about 125 people.

The executive director says from concerts to comedy shows, the renovation will be a show-stopper.

“So when we go to a 400-seat theater, we’re expecting anywhere from 10,000-15,000 audience members annually, between the two theaters,” Johnson Hall Executive Artistic Director Michael Miclon said. “So it’s going to do an awful lot for our business, but also an awful lot for the economic development in our community and in central Maine.”

Johnson Hall is also receiving a gift from Peter and Sandra Prescott and their company. Every dollar that the theatre makes over the next four months will be doubled by the generous donors.