It’s stood up to more than a century of long days, late nights and early mornings. Endured an impressive 120 years of stormy springs, frigid winters and stifling summers, not to mention general wear and tear. Suffered a full-fledged natural disaster. And now it’s undergone a complicated, time-consuming, $7-million makeover.

Finally, we can announce: the rehab is complete.

That’s right: CSPS Hall, opened in 1891, flooded in 2008, and fully restored over the past 16 months, is back.

And that’s not all. We’ve also gotten permission to invite you to join the celebration at a festive concert and party on Friday, Aug 26. Be among the first to settle in under the new roof. Experience the spacious lobby. Bask in the air-conditioning. Ride the elevator. Check out the toilets, drinking fountains and other modern amenities.

Back from Rehab: This once-in-a-century event will feature building tours, food by Braise, drinks from Cedar Ridge, and an inaugural concert by extraordinary singer-songwriter (and Manchester native) Susan Werner.

The galleries will feature River to River, a landmark show of Iowa’s most accomplished ceramicists, as well as paintings by Cedar Rapids’ Vaclav Hasek and animation by New York’s Marina Zurkow.

Doors open at 7 pm. Susan Werner goes on at 8. Tickets are $100 each, with a limit of 200 available.

• BUY TICKETS
• $100 advance | $100 door