Bowery Boogie was granted exclusive rights to photograph the decaying shell that was once the great Amato Opera. Take a look at a fantastic slideshow with more interior photos and read more about the future of the building: "The current owner, Steven Croman, plans to turn this historic structure (built in 1899) into residential units for 'hedge-funders on the upper floors [plus penthouse] and one massive retail store' where the stage, orchestra pit, entrance and backstage are now." [Source]
"The historic Metropolitan Opera House in downtown Grand Forks might soon have a new owner. The Grand Forks Herald reports that building owner Oriental Avenue LLP is negotiating a sale to Rhombus House of Pizza, the company behind Rhombus Guys pizzerias in Grand Forks, Fargo, and Mentor, Minn. It's not known why the company is interested in the building. The opera house was built in 1890 and is on the National Register of Historic places. It was severely damaged in the 1997 Red River flood and under threat of being demolished before Oriental Avenue bought it and completed renovations. It has 21 apartments on its upper two levels but the 5,000-square-foot first floor has remained vacant. County records show that the building and lot are valued at $1.2 million." [Source] Read more about the history of the opera house here and some information about the current opera lofts here.
