The University awarded a contract Monday to renovate the Centennial Showboat after six years of inactivity.
Awarded to Gladstone Construction, the contract calls for the renovation to begin in October.
Before the showboat was closed, it hosted summer shows by the Theatre Arts Department, which plans on continuing the shows after the renovation.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers donated the boat, then called the General John Newton, to the University in 1958.
The boat is located at Harriet Island, where the city of St. Paul provided space and facilities, such as a ticket booth and restrooms, for patrons. St. Paul is paying for the construction of the land-based facilities.
The University is responsible for financing the boat’s renovation.
Officials hope to have the project complete in time for its first scheduled performance in July 2000.

Nathan Whalen covers facilities and construction and welcomes comments at [email protected]. He can also be reached at (612) 627-4070 x3237.