An iconic Wilmington building has just received some needed upgrades. The Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center has a new lighting system, sound enhancements and some interior renovations, according to a news release this week from Thalian Association Community Theatre.

"The new upgrades will enhance the educational and artistic experience for classes and productions and will certainly make this iconic building an even more desirable special event and meeting space as well," Susan Habas, Thalian Association’s executive director, said in the release Monday. "We are very excited about these improvements.”

Thalian Association manages the facility, which was last completely renovated in 2008. The recent upgrades are the first significant technical and functional improvements to the building since then, according to the release.

The $27,000 worth of improvements were paid for from special event, production and classroom rental revenues, plus the $.075 preservation fee added to event tickets, Habas said in an email Tuesday.
 
The lighting system in the 2nd Street Stage Auditorium has a new computerized console with the ability to record cues and custom blend colors via new energy efficient LED light fixtures. Additional technical improvements include the installation of new speakers beside the stage.
Interior renovations include new kitchen appliances that will “better serve the catering needs of weddings and other special events,” the release stated.

The Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center was built in 1941 by the Army Corps of Engineers. Five years later, it was purchased by the city of Wilmington and was named the Community Center.

In 1974, the building earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. It was rededicated in 2006 as the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center to honor Block, a Wilmington civic leader who was the first woman elected to the Wilmington City Council and the city’s first female mayor pro tem. Block, who had been a cabaret singer, was also active in organizing USO entertainment for military personnel at bases in the region. She died in 2009.

The building that bears Block’s name contains rehearsal and meeting spaces, along with classrooms used for instruction in the performing and visual arts. Five studios, an auditorium and gallery are available for rent.

The release from Thalian Association also mentioned recent improvements made by the city of Wilmington to the parking lot adjacent to the building. The lot, at 2nd Street and Church Alley, now has energy-efficient lights, a pay station, pervious pavement and handicap access from the parking area to the Hannah Block Historic USO Building/Community Arts Center.