The sidewalk and parking spots in front of the Avalon Theatre, 121 S. Main St., was closed today and will remain closed through the end of October according to construction officials. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
Sidewalk blocked so work can begin on facility
The sidewalk in front of Marysville’s Avalon Theatre is not the only thing that will look different to careful observers.
Originally planned as a movie theater, officials are changing direction for the venue which is now being planned as a cultural and performing arts center.
“We are bringing it back to its roots,” said Sarah Barr, executive director of Marysville Uptown Theatre, the nonprofit organization that will own and operate the theatre.
Barr said that when the theater opened in 1936 it was not used for movies.
“It was a cultural arts center,” Barr said.
She said that will continue. She said the one room, with seating capacity for about 250 will be used for “a wide range of cultural events like concerts, galas, social events, films, interactive films, plays, choir concerts.”
She said the theater will have the ability to run films and movies and she could imagine occasions when those would be shown, though likely not first run theatrical releases.
“I think this will be so much more than a movie theater,” said Terry Emery, Marysville City Manager and a board member for the nonprofit organization.
Barr said she has been engaging with the public and this, not a movie theater, is what the community wants.
“This is a community effort,” Barr said. “We have over 50 volunteers at any one time helping us,” she said. That help ranges from design of the theater to its programming.
The Avalon Theatre is hosting community focus groups at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, using Facebook Live and Zoom.
“We are coming to the community and asking them what type of programming do they want to see,” Barr said.
Officials said that in the short term, the public will see the sidewalk and parking in front of the theatre, 121 S. Main St., closed for several months.
Today begins phase one of the construction project. Officials said phase one is about “the core of the building.”
“Phase one is really stabilizing and establishing the shell of the building to where it needs to be so that we can bring everything else in for phase two, so it is as good and solid of a building as it needs to be,” Emery said.
Barr said phase one will cost an estimated $1.7 million dollars. She said it will secure the roof, walls, plumbing and foundation of the building.
Phase two, officials said, is about “finishing.”
Emery said that will bring in seating, lobby and bar facilities, equipment and other finishing touches.
Barr said phase two will cost about $1 million.
Officials have set a fundraising goal of about $3.2 million. Barr said the additional money will be used “to get a good start on the future programming.”
The executive director said the project already has about $2 million, largely in pledges from individuals and businesses in the community, though some state and local grant money has been used.
Barr said phase one should be complete in October of this year and phase two will begin immediately after, “as long as we continue on this upward fundraising path.”
Emery said at some point the theater board may come to city council for funding help, but that would be council’s decision, not his.
Barr said the full project is scheduled for completion in August 2022.
Officials said the building will have an occupancy permit after phase one. Barr said she will be able to hold programs in the theater, but will need to rent things like tables and chairs. Officials said the exposure will be worth the cost.
“That will be huge for people to be able to see it and see what they are investing in,” Emery said.
He said that while the project is beginning now, there is a lot of work to be done in the next 15 months. He said he hopes residents will be patient with the construction and appreciates that businesses near the Avalon have been understanding, even excited about the construction.
“This has been a long time coming and Sarah has her work cut out for her,” Emery said.
Barr said she hopes construction on the cultural center will “spark some hope of some things to come.”
Emery said he hopes the construction will motivate those who may have been hesitant to donate to the project.
“We want people to know that this facility is going to be happening and fully complete in 2021,” Emery said. “For those who may have been a little apprehensive that maybe this is not going to take place, this is going to take place. This establishes, in a big way, that this project is going to take place.”