Painters continue to toil inside The Metropolitan Theatre as the extensive work on the facility reaches home stretch.

Manager and Technical Director Joe Kaehler estimated that 75 to 80 percent of the renovations to the theater, built in the 1920s, are complete.

"The general public will be stunned," he said.

Kaehler said they hope to have a grand re-opening in the late summer or early fall.

When they have their grand re-opening, the only item miossing will be the rug for the main floor, Kaehler said. The rug must be custom woven because of the curved floor, so it won't be installed until after the theater resumes performances.

For the past four years, Kaehler said he has been telling his family about the renovations and now they are nearing the finish line.

"It's the realization of a dream," Kaehler said.

Met Theatre paint restoration almost finished