A complex and challenging renovation project that began over a year ago on Manitowoc’s near north side came to fruition on Thursday. Strand Adventures is officially open after about 17 months of renovations. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony ahead of the grand opening. Mike Howe, one of the four investors in the $1.4 million dollar project told SeehaferNews.com that it was a dream come true. “We are thrilled to have the community behind us,” Howe stated. “We wanted to build something for our friends and families to have a reason to come to downtown Manitowoc and I think we did that.”
Howe’s three partners are Matt DeMarco, Curt Hall, and Kurt Scherer. As far as the hours of operation, Howe told us that they will be open “all day every day” from here on out. The details of their operation can be found at StrandAdventures.com and on their Facebook page. If you have questions, you can message them on Facebook as well, and Howe said that they would respond quickly.
The former Strand multi-screen Theatre showed its’ last movie on March 27th, 2014, and Mayor Justin Nickels says that it was “actually on their blight list for potential demolition.” He expressed his pleasure in the opening of the newest attraction saying “this is truly something Manitowoc has always needed.” He recalled growing up in the city and struggling to find fun things to do with his friends. He said that Strand Adventures offers “a lot of options”.
Mayor Nickels also said Strand Adventures is the latest example of their downtown focus. He said that he hopes people will utilize the facility for a fun time, and then dine at one of the multiple establishments in the area, including Pizza Garden, which will be moving into a space nearby.
The new center at 315 North 8th Street, offers an Indoor Playground for toddlers all the way up to age 12, a state of the art Ninja Gym, Rock Climbing, Laser Tag, Batting Cages, Golf Tees, CrossFit Manitowoc, and an Arcade.