The Modjeska Theater, which is preparing to reopen this spring, recently sold most of the 600 seats bolted to its first floor, in a few hours’ time. Those who came to collect the chairs, purchased online, said they have connections to the neighborhood, attended concerts there years ago, couldn’t resist the bargain price or just want to own a piece of Milwaukee history. Each set of three adjoined seats sold for $10.

The current owners, who have upgraded the boiler and electrical and plumbing systems, plan to pour a new floor and set up cabaret seating on the ground floor. The balcony seats will remain. The owners plan to host concerts, comedy acts, gallery nights, art fairs, town hall meetings and other community events, as well as movies. They will also rent the space out for weddings and banquets, according to Jesus Nanez, a part owner involved in operations.

“We are interested in making (the theater) accessible to the community, Nanez said. “We will be easy to work with, especially for community groups that sometimes have trouble finding venues. And, we want to improve (Mitchell) street,” said Nanez, who is also president of the Historic Mitchell Street Business Improvement District.

The Modjeska will be selling the remaining seats online from 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, and at the theater on Saturday, Feb. 27, and Sunday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, according to Nanez. Check the theater’s Facebook page for a link to the online sale.