Historic Theater Looking For Renovation Funding
(photo courtesy Wythougan Valley Preservation Group)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA preservation organization in Marshall County is looking to raise money to renovate a more than 150-year-old building in downtown Plymouth. The Wythougan Valley Preservation Group says $120,000 is needed to make repairs to the Rees Theater, which has been vacant since 2009.
The group took ownership of the theater in January. With the renovations, along with an upcoming capital campaign, the group says it aims to transform the theater into a space that provides "a catalyst for the promotion of artistic, educational and cultural events in the region as well as offer a venue to celebrate life and community milestones."
The repairs needed to restore the building include a brand new roof with a newly-constructed roof access "shanty," repairs to bulging masonry on the south side of the building and a new parapet at the top. The ceiling on the inside of the theater also needs to be replaced after a section collapsed in June.
The group has set up a GoFundMe page for people to make donations toward the repairs. A capital campaign to help fund the operation of the theater is expected at the end of this year or early spring 2018.
The building was constructed in 1865 and served as retail and office space. It was transformed in 1940 into the Rees Theater, where it continued until 2009 when competition from multiplex movie theaters forced its owners to close.
You can learn more about the theater and the fundraising effort in the video below:
