The Firehouse Center is home to community's culture

Located in historic Market Square, the center overlooks scenic Market Landing Park, the boardwalk and the Merrimack River. It features a 195-seat professional theater, two art galleries and Ciro's Restaurant. It is also available for conferences and functions.

For the past seven years, the Firehouse has played host to local and regional acts delivering music, dance, drama and art. This year is no exception.

Through this month, the center stages the popular 1950s musical "Grease." It follows up next month with the classic rock and roll musical "Bye, Bye Birdie."

The Firehouse Center, a former market and meeting hall built in 1823, served as the city's main fire station from the Civil War era until 1979. As part of a public-private partnership, a major renovation turned the empty fire station into what it is today.

The building is owned by the city, but leased to the Society for the Development of Arts and Humanities, a non-profit group of local arts lovers who operate the center.

The renovation project ultimately won recognition from the Boston Society of Architects, which selected it for its Honor Award. Among its features include the glass-enclosed rear portion of the building that gives visitors the opportunity to view the river year-round, and two outdoor patios where patrons of the restaurant can enjoy the passing scene.

The Firehouse Box Office is open 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information on upcoming events, to reserve tickets, or become a member of the Firehouse call 462-7336.

This summer's schedule includes:

Through July 3: "Grease," the 1950s musical, presented by Society for the Development of Arts and Humanities; performances Thursdays-Sundays; tickets $7.50-$25.

June 12: "Aesop's Fables," a family show; 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; tickets $7.

June 18-19: Jesse Colin Young in concert, 8 p.m.; tickets $21 adults, $19 students/seniors.

July 8-25: "Bye Bye Birdie," presented by Anna Smulowitz; tickets $16-$22.

July 17: Laura Biddle in concert, a family performance; 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; tickets $7.

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