Highland, IN - State providing $50,000 to restore Highland’s Town Theatre

posted by ThrHistoricalSociety on October 30, 2016 at 8:00 am

From nwi.com:
The state of Indiana is kicking in $50,000 to help pay for restoration of the historic Town Theatre in Highland.

The lieutenant governor’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs and Office of Tourism Development announced Thursday they are providing the money as part of a matching grant program that promotes quality of place improvements across the state.

“The intent of this fund is to reward creativity and resourcefulness,” said Mark Newman, state tourism director. “The impact to quality of life and ultimately tourism will be great.”

But the building’s marquee, façade and original lobby entrance are expected to be retained, even as the theater expands into two adjacent buildings so multiple events can be held simultaneously.

The Highland Redevelopment Commission estimates the total restoration cost, including specialized furniture, fixtures and theater equipment, will be between $1.9 and $2.5 million.

When complete, possibly in late 2017, the theater is anticipated to attract both local and regional patrons and support other downtown Highland businesses, in part by offering dinner-and-movie packages.

Story link: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/state-providing-to-restore-highland-s-town-theatre/article_aa4c15cb-fcd3-59d6-8fdf-b334fa4fc6e5.html

ABOUT THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded by Ben Hall in 1969, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) celebrates, documents and promotes the architectural, cultural and social relevance of America’s historic theatres. Through its preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, its signature publication Marquee™ and Conclave Theatre Tour, THS increases awareness, appreciation and scholarly study of America’s theatres.

Learn more about historic theatres in the THS American Theatre Architecture Archives and on our website at historictheatres.org