New Management for the Tivoli

The hallowed halls of the Tivoli and Memorial Auditorium will no longer be managed by the city.

Mayor Berke made the announcement Thursday morning in the Tivoli Theatre lobby.

The new non-profit taking over management is called the Tivoli Theatre Foundation.

Officials hope the plan will result in more shows at the venues resulting in more money for downtown Chattanooga.

Mayor Berke says, "What we’re asking this non-profit to do is ensure that we continue to have great cultural opportunities in our city but enhance them by having more nights where these cities are operational."

The city has operated the Tivoli since 1976.

Current employees don’t know what the future holds, but it’s business as usual until they hear otherwise.

Chattanooga Director of Facilities Mark Stone says, "We will continue to move forward in the process and see where that process leads us. Hopefully and I would hope that most folks currently employed will be employed with the non-profit."

They are worried about their jobs but Mayor Berke offered his reassurances.

Mayor Berke says, "Well all the people who currently work here will have jobs through the end of our fiscal year which is through the end of June of 2015. We’re working with them to ensure that they have opportunities within the city government."

The transition’s being modeled after the historic Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville which experienced huge success after a non-profit takeover.