Evergreen Theater Closed for Building Permit Renewal
The Green Bay theater paused operations in August 2026 to update fire safety systems in a former school building.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Safety
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The Evergreen Theater in Green Bay suspended operations in August 2026 during a temporary building permit renewal. Management closed the site to install a fire sprinkler system required by local building code officials.
Why it matters
The city mandate stems from a change in building use from a former school to a public performance venue. Installing fire sprinklers ensures the facility complies with safety regulations triggered by the building's current occupancy type.
The theater building was constructed in 1970, placing it under specific fire safety code grandfathering rules enacted by a 2013 state law. The facility now requires a full fire sprinkler system to meet modern safety requirements.
The players
Evergreen Theater
This local performance group currently operates out of a repurposed educational facility.
Keller Elementary School
This former school serves as the current site for the theater's productions.
The details
Evergreen Theater, which operates in the former Keller Elementary School building, underwent a permit renewal process that necessitated the installation of a full fire sprinkler system. Management restricted building access and relocated rehearsals during the project to satisfy city safety conditions.
Timeline
The former school building was originally constructed in 1970.
A state law regarding safety codes for buildings was passed in 2013.
The theater underwent a temporary building closure in August 2026.
The performance of M.A.S.H. is scheduled for September 17 to September 27, 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
The theater's mandatory sprinkler installation follows the safety code updates required by the 2013 state law for aging buildings. This requirement reflects a broader trend of enforcing modern fire safety standards on properties repurposed from their original functions.
Residents planning to attend performances at the venue should check for any updated entry instructions following the renovation period. Access to the building remains subject to official city permit compliance.
The takeaway
Repurposing older buildings for public use frequently involves mandatory upgrades to bring them into compliance with modern safety codes. Property owners must ensure that building use permits reflect current fire safety standards to maintain operations.
Further reading
Learn more about local regulations on the Safety page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Green Bay Press-Gazette.
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