News Summary
Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson has reopened after nearly ten months of repairs and inspections. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced the reopening, highlighting it as a crucial moment for the community. The hall faced several challenges during its closure, including mold and asbestos issues, leading to nearly $5 million in repairs. Although inspections confirm its safety, ongoing repairs remain. Accessibility concerns persist as elevators and escalators are still out of service, but the reopening signals a renewed commitment to arts and community engagement in Jackson.
Jackson, Mississippi – Thalia Mara Hall Reopens After Major Repairs
Thalia Mara Hall has officially reopened its doors after nearly ten months of extensive repairs and inspections. The announcement was made by Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba on his last day in office during a press conference held at the venue’s entrance. The mayor described the reopening as a significant “full circle moment” for the Jackson community.
The iconic venue was closed in August 2024 when issues with a malfunctioning HVAC system led to mold growth, prompting immediate action. During the closure, several complications arose, including potential asbestos issues, problems with the fire curtain, vandalism by unhoused individuals, and a failed inspection by the Mississippi State Fire Marshal. A total of nearly $3 million was allocated for repairs before the reopening, with the final costs nearing $5 million.
After undergoing a series of necessary repairs and inspections over the past ten months, Thalia Mara Hall has successfully passed all required inspections to ensure a safe reopening. Reporters were permitted to tour the venue, which currently shows no signs of water leaks, vandalism, or visible mold. However, some outstanding repairs still need to be completed. These include reinstalling the fire curtain, which involves addressing asbestos concerns related to a support beam, and installing a second air-conditioning chiller, with completion expected by fall 2026 after a waiting period of 14 to 16 weeks for the arrival of the unit.
The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted a follow-up inspection on June 3, confirming that the building met reopening standards. Despite the positive outcome, it remains unclear whether any upcoming events are scheduled at Thalia Mara Hall as none are currently listed on the venue’s website.
After serving as mayor for eight years, Lumumba expressed gratitude toward residents and his administration. He plans to return to his previous career in law and consultancy following his departure from office. His successor, mayor-elect John Horhn, is set to take office on July 1. Lumumba will not attend the inauguration due to prior commitments and has no intentions of seeking the mayoral position again.
Accessibility concerns linger as both elevators and escalators at Thalia Mara Hall remain out of service, posing challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. Additionally, Opera Mississippi has indicated it will not return to the venue until all remaining repairs are completed, citing concerns regarding the audience experience.
During the interim, a fire watch will be implemented until the installation and inspection of the new fire curtain are finalized, ensuring safety for any events that may occur in the future. The reopening of Thalia Mara Hall symbolizes a renewed commitment to the arts and community engagement in Jackson, though challenges remain as the venue works toward full restoration.
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Additional Resources
- WLBT: Performers Voice Hesitancy Returning to Thalia Mara Hall
- Clarion Ledger: Thalia Mara Hall Reopens
- WAPT: Thalia Mara Hall Projects Still Need to be Done
- Northside Sun: Thalia Mara Hall Reopening Still Not Known
- WJTV: Entertainers Excited for Thalia Mara Hall to Reopen
- Wikipedia: Thalia Mara Hall
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
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