Doug Robinson: Colonial Theatre: Economic driver or financial burden?

To The Daily Sun,

In this week’s Question of the Week, The Laconia Daily Sun asks how the Colonial Theatre has changed downtown. It’s an important question, because the recent discussion around the theater raises a larger issue for our community: Is the Colonial truly serving as an economic driver, or are taxpayers carrying a long‑term financial burden without seeing meaningful returns? Many residents worry this could become another example of the parking garage where taxpayers supported it for decades before it was ultimately sold for $1.

Laconia is invested heavily into restoring the Colonial, including a $7 million bond taxpayers will be paying for over the next 20 years at more than $230,000 annually. Meanwhile, Spectacle Live operates the venue at a cost to Laconia taxpayers of roughly $165,000 per year and keeps all ticket revenue, while the Laconia taxpayers are responsible for electricity, heat, maintenance, and other operating costs. With only 40-50 shows per year, most beginning after 6 p.m., it is fair to ask whether this model is delivering the economic impact that was promised.

Downtown businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and their experiences matter. Most showtimes do not align with their operating hours, limiting any potential benefit. Parking, foot‑traffic patterns, and customer flow also appear largely unchanged during theater events. At the same time, businesses continue to face challenges related to homelessness, safety concerns, and the need for stronger, more consistent economic development strategies.

Laconia has made progress with block‑party‑style events, food trucks, and seasonal festivals that genuinely draw people downtown. The Legislature’s approval of social districts offers another tool that could support local businesses more directly.

It's time for Laconia to take an honest, data‑driven look at whether the Colonial Theatre is fulfilling its intended role. Taxpayers and business owners deserve transparency.

Doug Robinson

Laconia