Skinny Improv renovates downtown space

The comedy group is renovating the former Adult Tendercare building at 301 Park Central Square, with plans to occupy the space by mid-October. The move will give the group ground-level space, rather than the basement space it currently leases in the Holland Building, 205 Park Central East.

“I love our space now because it’s so eclectic and so different,” said Jeff Jenkins, artistic director for The Skinny Improv. “But (this) makes us more identifiable. Rather than, ‘Where are you at? Under where?’ it’s going to be, ‘This is us.’”

The Skinny Improv will lease the 5,600-square-foot space – nearly double its existing location – from Jay Hickman, co-owner of Ernie Biggs. Jenkins would not disclose the lease rate.

The additional room will allow the group to add 50 seats to its 160-seat theater and seat risers to provide better audience views; the ceilings are nearly 20 feet high, Jenkins said. It also boosts restroom space, the backstage area and office space.

Renovations include adding walls and creating a theater area. Jenkins expects no downtime while the move takes place.

Buxton-Kubik-Dodd is the project architect.

A larger space means added costs, which likely will translate into a small increase in ticket prices for the group’s Friday and Saturday shows. But Jenkins says it’ll be worth it to stay downtown, surrounded by other entertainment venues.

“Being downtown and being a part of what’s happening there is always so important to us,” he said.

After the move, The Skinny Improv plans to add a college-night performance to Thursday nights. If those shows ever sell out, Jenkins promises to order pizza for the entire audience, he said. He’s in talks with several local pizza restaurants.

As for the Holland Building, which also lost Prima Donna clothing store earlier this year, a representative from building owner The Casey Associates said there is no concern about keeping occupancy. The 32,000-square-foot commercial- and office-space building still has about 15 tenants, including Riad Greek Cuisine, two attorneys and an architect.[[In-content Ad]]