A grant of $1.5 million for the construction of the future Downtown Auburn Theater is heading Auburn’s way.

On May 5, the Auburn City Council adopted a resolution greenlighting Mayor Nancy Backus to execute and administer an agreement with the granter, the Washington State Department of Commerce.

The funds, part of the overall $6 million project cost, will support design development, bid documents and construction of the new theater. They were already included in the 2024 adopted budget for the project.

A fire in July 2021 destroyed the nearby Max House Apartments and several businesses. and subsequent demolition work on the burned building in the closing days of 2021 damaged the theater. The city condemned the building in 2022 and demolished it in October 2024.

City leaders say the rebuild is critical to the arts and culture scene on a local and regional level and will powerfully contribute to Auburn’s downtown vitality through economic, educational, and civic benefits of the performing arts. The theater will also provide opportunities for the creative sector — musicians, dancers, actors, directors, choreographers, set designers, costumers, stage managers, sound and light technicians.

The city anticipates construction will begin in early 2026 and wrap in 12 to 18 months.