The Shop took about a year to renovate, according to current M-Shop program director Rusty Poehner. During the renovation process, workers stumbled serendipitously upon what would become The Shop's trademark when a local church closed. Poehner said the church was giving away stained glass windows, and somehow one of them worked its way down to The Shop. Much to the dismay of several clergy, the stained glass window was installed. Poehner also believes the window might have something to do with the success of The Shop.
Bands love to play in front of it.
According to Svec though, it was not guaranteed to stay open for long. The first show, the musical 'Man of La Mancha,' was successful, and I guess the rest is history. Originally, The Shop mostly held theater performances, and at one time The Shop was home to a resident theater troupe, Svec said. Now, however, the slate is dominated by music. The Shop has gone through changes other than program content.