The Lyric Theatre Rehabilitation Project enters a new phase.
The Lyric Theatre Rehabilitation Project is entering a new
phase. In preparation to going out for
bid on the entire project, the services of a professional cost
estimating consulting firm were engaged. What an eye
opener we got on the draft report when the estimate came in at more than double
the money currently committed to the project!!! The need to contract a new architect for the
project and the time that has elapsed has contributed to prices enormously
escalating. Therefore, with an eye to a
better future, the project is thoughtfully but quickly on a mission to
transform 216 Seneca Street, Oil City, PA.
The current property is owned by Community Playhouse, Inc (CPI) and
managed by The Colonel Drake Cultural Alliance, Inc (CDCA) who together plan to
reclaim this piece of history as a community gathering place for a variety of
performance & art offerings.
Many interested public and private partners have volunteered
time and money to support this long-term effort and we heartily thank
them. That generosity and community
spirit has enabled us to acquire commitments to just over $1.87 Million in
funding for Phase 1 of the process that is planned to release for bid as soon
as the necessary reviews are completed.
The first phase of this renewed plan is to demolish about 1/3 of the old
storefront closest to Seneca street, re-erect a serviceable 2 story lobby, office,
technical area, and re-roof the entirety of the facility which contains the last
remaining example of a vaudeville house in downtown
Oil City where the oil boom claimed many. The theatre auditorium and
backstage area have been largely preserved during the decades of dormancy after
the original vaudeville (and later movie theatre) were carefully covered over
by multiple commercial renovations.
Those areas have since been uncovered and will be renovated in
subsequent phases as funding is acquired.
But it would be more economical to do all the renovations at once if
additional funding is secured soon.
Phase 1 of the project is about to commence with a construction
completion date estimated at late summer 2027. Subsequent phases include a redesign of the
orchestra pit, backstage dressing and restroom facilities, as well as HVAC,
Mechanical Electric Plumbing requirements, upgrades of the original auditorium,
plaster and paint restoration and new seating.
Those phases can begin as quickly as additional funding is
available.
Good things can often
take time. It is certain that the only
way to fail completely is to give up.
Persistence wins the day in most things.
Please persist with us in moving this project forward and thank you for
your consideration. |
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