The 50-member board of the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis has voted to approve the Mississippi Mill River District as the location for the company's new three-theatre site. The board's nod allows the Guthrie executive committee to begin negotiations with the City of Minneapolis and its Community Development Agency (MCDA).

The Guthrie board had already voted Jan. 7 to consider the Mississippi Mill River District an alternative to the controversial Parade Stadium location, which would have required relocating a city impound lot.

The three-theatre facility is expected to open in 2004, and initial estimates place the cost at $60 -$70 million. The Guthrie will be seeking State funds, the theatre indicated.

Guthrie's goals for the 2004 opening include expanding its artistic program, opening the three-theatre facility, making a black box theatre available and expanding education and community outreach programs.

-- By Murdoch McBride