Projo Biz Blog

Journal archive photo / Ruben W. Perez
The Veterans Memorial Auditorium may be taken over by the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority.

PROVIDENCE -- Businesses interested in managing the Veterans Memorial Auditorium toured the performance hall this morning, examining both the building's new seats and repaired ceiling and its three floors of vacant and neglected office space.

The non-profit group that runs the VMA had been scheduled to take full ownership from the state in July. But concerns over its fundraising ability have caused state officials to reconsider that agreement, The Providence Journal has reported.

Now, the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority, which also runs the Dunkin' Donuts Center, is moving to take over the VMA as well.

The authority organized today's tour, inviting management companies to study the building before submitting proposals to help operate it.

The current operator, the Veterans Memorial Auditorium Foundation, estimates that the building may need millions of dollars in improvements.

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