The Annex
Welcome to The Annex! Formerly known as The Encounter, this historic building has undergone a transformation to help support Duluth Playhouse’s continually expanding programming. Just one block up from the NorShor Theatre, The Annex is located at 201 E. 1st St.
The Annex basement serves as expansive scenic, prop, and costume storage facility for Duluth Playhouse. The second floor is utilized for School of Performing Arts classes and camps throughout the year. This floor features a versatile gymnasium/auditorium, complete with a stage, dance studio and commercial kitchen. The third floor offers seating for the auditorium and private offices with views of Lake Superior, which are available for rent to businesses and organizations seeking a unique workspace in the HART District.
History of The Annex
The Annex has a fascinating history dating back to its construction in 1896 as the Duluth Third Regiment Armory by architects Edwin Radcliffe and Charles Willoughby. Not strictly for military use, the 1896 Armory housed a city market and hosted a variety of entertainment, from indoor baseball games to military drills. By 1908, the National Guard and Naval Militias had outgrown the 1896 Armory, and a new Armory was constructed at 14th Ave East and London Road. In 1916, the building was purchased by the Shriners and transformed into the Shrine Auditorium. Over the years, the building has been used in many diverse ways, including in the 1930s as the home of the Duluth Automobile Club, eventually becoming Zenith City Buick. In 2001, the building took on new life as The Encounter, an indoor skate park and youth center run by Head of the Lakes Youth for Christ. In 2022, Duluth Playhouse purchased the building in an effort to consolidate its prop, scenic, and costume storage while also providing additional classrooms for the School of Performing Arts. Marking a new chapter in the building’s long history, the building underwent yet another transformation, finding renewed purpose as The Annex.
The Annex includes
- Annex Gymnasium
- Annex Stage
- Annex Dance Studio
- Annex Offices
- Commercial Kitchen
The Lab Renovation was sponsored in partnership with
Rent this space
Interested in renting a space for your upcoming play, party or event? Fill out the rental request form below and we will be in touch!