Renton’s historic 300‑seat Carco Theatre continues to sit in darkness after the December floods that deposited four to five feet of mud and knocked out the building’s electrical switchgear. Public Works administrator Martin Pastucha briefed the city council on Oct. 12 about the ongoing cleanup and the extensive repairs needed.
Cleanup and temporary power
Emergency crews spent weeks removing mud from the auditorium, and temporary generators are now powering lights and the HVAC system to dry the space. The original switchgear was buried and is inoperable; a full replacement is required before permanent power can be restored.
Structural evaluation underway
Because the theatre sits on a floodplain, the city has commissioned a structural engineer to assess potential damage, including any lingering effects from the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. The engineer’s report is expected in December 2026.
Pastucha noted that securing a qualified engineer has been challenging, with two bid requests returning no proposals before the city re‑engaged the firm that previously worked on the theatre. Soil‑compaction borings are currently being performed to evaluate the building’s foundation stability.
Council’s decision pending
The council will review the engineer’s findings to decide whether to refurbish the Carco as‑is, pursue a more extensive rebuild, or deem the costs prohibitive. Pastucha warned that the building is not condemned, but it cannot be occupied until the electrical system meets code and permanent power is reinstated.
Mitigation of future flooding is also on the agenda. Pastucha indicated that this may not be the last flood event for the area and suggested that a levee or similar structure could be needed to divert water away from the theatre and surrounding park.
Funding outlook
Renton is seeking FEMA assistance to cover flood‑damage repairs and to fund any necessary flood‑mitigation improvements. The city is still calculating how much of the available funding can be allocated to each component of the project.
Residents and local arts groups are watching closely, hoping the council’s decision will preserve the Carco Theatre as a cultural hub for the community.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
