SAN DIEGO -- A local developer donated $700,000 to Lyric Opera San Diego to help the group purchase the newly renovated Stephen and Mary Birch North Park Theatre, it was announced Monday.

The gift brings the total donated by Bud Fischer to more than $1.25 million, officials said.

Lyric Opera took a $4 million mortgage to pay off the theater's construction loan and purchase the building from Fischer, which includes office space used by the San Diego Men's Chorus and storefront retail.

The purchase makes Lyric Opera San Diego one of 13 opera companies in the nation to own its own performing venue, according to the group.